Ooni of Ife Denies Conferring Chieftaincy Title on Baba Ijesha, Confirms Only Gift of New Car

The palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has denied widespread reports claiming that Nollywood actor Baba Ijesha was conferred with a chieftaincy title during his recent visit to the monarch.

The clarification comes just hours after Baba Ijesha announced on social media that he had been honoured by the revered monarch with the title “Baba Awada Konge Oduwa”, alongside a brand-new car and other gifts.

However, reacting to the viral claims, the Ooni’s palace stated that no chieftaincy title was bestowed on the actor. Speaking on behalf of the palace, the Ooni’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, dismissed the reports, saying:

“I am not aware of the chieftaincy title, but I am aware of the car.”

The palace’s statement effectively distances the monarch from the reports that Baba Ijesha had been officially installed as a chief, while confirming that the actor did indeed receive a vehicle from the royal household. 

The development has sparked fresh reactions online, especially after photos of Baba Ijesha and his wife at the palace circulated widely, leading many to believe he had received a royal title. Baba Ijesha, whose legal troubles and subsequent return to public life have remained a subject of public debate, had expressed gratitude to the Ooni for what he described as a warm reception, generous gifts, and the alleged chieftaincy honour. The palace’s latest clarification, however, has cast doubt on that aspect of his announcement.

The incident has generated mixed reactions on social media, with some Nigerians calling for greater caution before celebrating unverified announcements, while others continue to question how the misunderstanding arose in the first place.

As of the time of filing this report, Baba Ijesha has not publicly responded to the palace’s denial.