The palace of the Ooni of Ife has cast doubt on actor Baba Ijesha’s claim that he was awarded a chieftaincy title during his recent visit to the monarch.
Baba Ijesha, whose real name is James Olanrewaju Omiyinka, had announced after visiting the palace with his wife, Luminee, that the Ooni presented him with a brand-new car and conferred on him the title, “Baba Awada Konge Oduwa, Ile Ife, Ile Oodua.”
However, the monarch’s spokesperson, Moses Olafere, said the palace could only confirm that the actor received a vehicle, adding that there was no information available regarding the alleged traditional title.
Speaking to Punch, Olafere explained that the Ooni has a long-standing tradition of gifting cars to people from different walks of life and that the gesture was not unusual.
“Kabiyesi gives cars to people. This is not the first time. He has given cars to many people, including kings and other individuals, and this is not new.”
He added that several individuals, including himself and notable figures such as Haruna Ishola and Sefiu Alao, have previously received vehicles from the monarch.
“Many people have benefited from Kabiyesi’s car gifts, including me and popular figures like Haruna Ishola and Sefiu Alao. He gives out cars almost every day.”
While Baba Ijesha continues to insist that he was also honoured with a chieftaincy title, the palace says it cannot verify that claim, maintaining that it only has knowledge of the car gift.
