- The Ooni of Ife’s palace has denied Baba Ijesha’s claim that he received a chieftaincy title during his recent visit, although it confirmed that the actor was gifted a car by the monarch.
- The clarification has fueled further debate online, with many Nigerians questioning the palace’s response while others believe it was issued to address the public backlash.
The palace of the Ooni of Ife has denied claims by Nollywood actor James Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, that he was conferred with a chieftaincy title during a recent visit to the monarch.
The clarification comes days after Baba Ijesha and his wife, Luminee, visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, where they were warmly received. Following the visit, the actor announced that the monarch had gifted him a brand-new car and bestowed on him the title “Baba Awada Konge Oduwa, Ile Ife, Ile Oodua.”
However, speaking in an interview with Punch, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafere, said he was aware that the actor received a car from the monarch but could not confirm any chieftaincy title.
According to Olafere, the Ooni is known for giving out vehicles to individuals from different walks of life, stressing 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.
“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.”
Another palace source also dismissed Baba Ijesha’s claim, insisting that formal chieftaincy titles are not conferred in the manner described by the actor.
The palace’s response has sparked mixed reactions online, with some social media users suggesting the clarification was an attempt to address the criticism that followed news of Baba Ijesha’s visit.
Selected Reactions
@Yemisikunlipe: “Damage control after seeing the backlash.”
@funmistik_thediva: “Lobatan.”
@iamgbemiare: “The damage has been done already to the office of the Ooni for even associating with him in the first place. There are far more deserving people to give a car to if hand is scratching Ooni to do a car giveaway.”
@auntynene_blog: “First he graped a little girl, now he’s adding lies to his resume. What an embarrassment.”
@b_4bimz: “They should just relax; they’re doing too much for validation.”
@sholextop: “Shame no come too much.”
@prettytweety: “Make them self calm down small. One week plenty bashing.”
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