The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that he conferred a chieftaincy title on popular Nollywood actor and comedian, James Olanrewaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha.

Baba Ijesha recently shared on social media that he had been conferred with the chieftaincy title of Baba Awada Konge Oduwa. This was after a visit to the palace of the Yoruba monarch.

The actor wrote, "My deepest gratitude to His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife. Baba, thank you for the royal welcome, fatherly love, and the confidence you gave my wife *Afolashade Omiyinka* and I. For the luxurious gifts you blessed us with, and the brand new car — I am truly humbled. As a son of the soil.. I’m also honoured by the chieftaincy title Baba Awada Konge Oduwa. Ile Ife, Ile Oodua! 👑.. ATI IJOYE PELU GBOGBO OMO ILE IFE. THANK YOU SIR/MA."

The post drew widespread criticism, mostly directed at the Ooni of Ife as a result of the fact that Baba Ijesha was recently convicted for sexual assault against a minor, which was captured in a video.

Reacting, the Ooni of Ife said that the expression “Awada Konge Oduwa,” which Baba Ijesha described on his social media pages as a chieftaincy title, was merely a light-comedy remark made by His Majesty during a relaxed interaction in recognition of the actor’s outstanding career as a comedian.

The monarch said the remark was never intended to constitute a formal installation or conferment of a traditional title.

The Ooni noted that Baba Ijesha, as an indigene of Ile-Ife and a proud son of the source, is deserving of honour and could be considered for a chieftaincy title in the future. 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," he said.

While appreciating Baba Ijesha for acknowledging the royal kindness extended to him and his family, the Ooni urged media organisations and members of the public to disregard reports claiming that the actor has been installed as the “Awada Konge Oduwa” or conferred with any chieftaincy title.

The Ooni reaffirmed his commitment to celebrating and supporting deserving sons and daughters of Ile-Ife and the Oodua race at large while preserving the sanctity, dignity and integrity of the revered traditional institution of chieftaincy.