The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has debunked widespread reports circulating on social media alleging that he conferred a traditional chieftaincy title on Nollywood actor and comedian James Olanrewaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha.
The revered monarch described the reports as entirely false and misleading, stressing that although the actor recently visited the palace with his family, no chieftaincy title was bestowed upon him at any point during the visit.
The clarification was contained in an official statement issued on Saturday, July 4, by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, following widespread online publications suggesting that Baba Ijesha had been installed as the “Awada Konge Oduwa.”
According to the palace, the visit was purely a courtesy call to celebrate the birth of the actor’s newborn son and to receive the royal blessings of the Ooni, adding that the monarch merely extended gestures of goodwill and fatherly affection to the entertainer.
The palace explained that Baba Ijesha and his wife visited the Ooni on Wednesday, July 1, where they were warmly received by the monarch, who congratulated the couple on the arrival of their child and offered prayers for the well-being of the newborn and the entire family.
As part of the celebration, the Ooni reportedly presented the actor with a brand-new vehicle alongside cash gifts as a demonstration of his generosity and commitment to supporting deserving sons and daughters of Ile-Ife.
However, the palace emphasised that these gifts should not be interpreted as evidence of a formal installation or conferment of any traditional title.
According to the statement, confusion arose after Baba Ijesha posted on his social media platforms, referring to himself as the holder of the title “Awada Konge Oduwa,” leading many members of the public to believe that the monarch had officially honoured him with a chieftaincy title.
The palace explained that the expression was never intended to represent a traditional title.
Rather, it was described as a humorous remark made spontaneously by the Ooni during a relaxed conversation with the actor in recognition of his distinguished career as a comedian and entertainer.
The monarch noted that the phrase was simply intended as a light-hearted compliment acknowledging Baba Ijesha’s comic talent and contribution to the entertainment industry.
According to the statement, the informal remark was subsequently misconstrued by sections of the public and widely reported as an official chieftaincy installation.
The palace therefore stressed that no traditional title was conferred on the actor during the visit.
The statement further explained that the institution of chieftaincy in Ile-Ife is deeply rooted in centuries-old customs, traditions and sacred procedures that cannot be bypassed or replaced by casual remarks or informal interactions.
According to the palace, every conferment of a traditional title follows clearly established customary processes involving consultations, approvals, traditional rites and public ceremonies.
The Ooni stressed that none of these procedures took place during Baba Ijesha’s visit to the palace.
“However, no such title has been conferred on him. The conferment of chieftaincy titles in Ile-Ife remains a sacred traditional process governed by established customs, consultations and traditional rites, which are publicly conducted in accordance with the age-long traditions of the source. None of these customary procedures took place during the actor’s visit to the Palace,” the statement read.
The monarch also acknowledged that Baba Ijesha, being an indigene of Ile-Ife and a respected figure in the entertainment industry, is deserving of recognition for his achievements.
He noted that the actor could, at an appropriate time and subject to due process, be considered for a traditional honour.
However, the Ooni reiterated that no such honour has been granted at this time.
The palace urged media organisations, bloggers and members of the public to disregard all reports claiming that Baba Ijesha had been formally installed as the “Awada Konge Oduwa” or awarded any other traditional title by the Ooni of Ife.
It cautioned against the dissemination of inaccurate information capable of misleading the public and undermining the sanctity of traditional institutions.
The statement also encouraged journalists and online publishers to verify information from official palace sources before publication, particularly on matters relating to the revered institution of the Ooni and the traditional heritage of Ile-Ife.
While correcting the misinformation, the monarch expressed appreciation to Baba Ijesha for publicly acknowledging the kindness shown to him and his family during their visit to the palace.
The Ooni reaffirmed his longstanding commitment to recognising and supporting accomplished sons and daughters of Ile-Ife, irrespective of their profession or social status.
He stated that the palace would continue to encourage excellence by celebrating individuals who have distinguished themselves in various fields, including education, business, entertainment, sports, public service and community development.
At the same time, the monarch stressed that such gestures of encouragement must never be confused with the formal conferment of traditional honours, which remain subject to established customs and procedures handed down through generations.
The palace emphasised that preserving the integrity of the chieftaincy institution remains one of the Ooni’s foremost responsibilities as the custodian of Yoruba culture and the spiritual head of the ancient kingdom of Ile-Ife.
According to the statement, the traditional institution derives its legitimacy from strict adherence to customs and cannot be compromised by misinformation or social media speculation.
The clarification comes amid increasing concerns over the rapid spread of unverified information on digital platforms, where inaccurate reports often gain widespread attention before official responses are issued.
Observers note that the palace’s prompt reaction underscores its determination to protect the dignity and credibility of the traditional institution while ensuring that members of the public receive accurate information regarding royal activities.
By distancing himself from the reports, the Ooni has reaffirmed that while he remains committed to encouraging outstanding indigenes of Ile-Ife and the broader Oodua race, every chieftaincy title must continue to follow the sacred traditions, customs and established protocols that have defined the institution for centuries.
