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.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Saturday, July 4, by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare.
According to the statement, the Ooni said he received Baba Ijesha and his wife at the palace on Wednesday, July 1, to celebrate the birth of their son but did not confer any traditional title on the actor. The monarch said he presented Baba Ijesha with a brand-new car and cash gifts as an expression of his fatherly love and royal generosity. However, he stressed that no chieftaincy title was bestowed on him during the visit.
The statement explained that “Awada Konge Oduwa,” which Baba Ijesha later described on his social media pages as a chieftaincy title, was merely a light-comedy remark made by the Ooni during a relaxed interaction in recognition of the actor’s outstanding career as a comedian. The monarch maintained that the remark was never intended to constitute a formal installation or conferment of a traditional title.
According to the statement, the Ooni explained that Baba Ijesha and his wife visited the palace on Wednesday, July 1, to celebrate the birth of their son, and no chieftaincy title was conferred on the actor during the visit.
The monarch said he presented Baba Ijesha with a brand-new car and a cash gift as a gesture of fatherly affection and royal generosity, but emphasized that the occasion did not include the conferment of any traditional title.
The statement further clarified that the phrase “Awada Konge Oduwa,” which Baba Ijesha later described on his social media platforms as a chieftaincy title, was simply a humorous remark made by the Ooni during a light-hearted interaction in recognition of the actor’s contributions to comedy.
According to the palace, the comment was never intended to serve as a formal installation or the conferment of a traditional title.
