The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that he conferred a chieftaincy title on Nollywood actor and comedian James Olanrewaju, describing the claims as false.
According to the statement, the monarch received Baba Ijesha and his wife at the palace on Wednesday, July 1, to celebrate the birth of their son. During the visit, the Ooni presented the actor with a brand-new car and cash gifts as an expression of his fatherly love and royal generosity.
However, the palace stressed that no chieftaincy title was conferred on Baba Ijesha during the visit.
The statement explained that the phrase "Awada Konge Oduwa," which the actor later described on social media as a chieftaincy title, was simply a humorous remark made by the Ooni during a relaxed conversation in recognition of Baba Ijesha's outstanding career as a comedian. It was never intended to serve as a formal installation or conferment of a traditional title.
The Ooni further stated that although Baba Ijesha, as an indigene of Ile-Ife, is deserving of honour and may be considered for a chieftaincy title in the future, no such title has been bestowed on him.
The palace emphasized that the conferment of chieftaincy titles in Ile-Ife is a sacred traditional process governed by established customs, consultations, and traditional rites, all of which are conducted publicly in line with the town's age-long traditions. It noted that none of these procedures took place during the actor's visit.
The monarch therefore urged media organisations and members of the public to disregard reports claiming that Baba Ijesha had been installed as the "Awada Konge Oduwa" or given any chieftaincy title.
While appreciating the actor for acknowledging the royal kindness shown to him and his family, the Ooni reaffirmed his commitment to recognising and supporting deserving sons and daughters of Ile-Ife and the Oodua race while preserving the dignity, integrity, and sanctity of the traditional institution of chieftaincy.
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