The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has dismissed reports claiming he conferred a chieftaincy title on Nollywood actor and comedian James Olanrewaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha. The clarification was contained in a statement released on Saturday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni's Palace, Moses Olafare.
According to the statement, the monarch explained that Baba Ijesha and his wife were received at the palace on Wednesday to celebrate the birth of their newborn son. During the visit, the Ooni presented the actor with a brand-new car and cash gifts as a gesture of goodwill and fatherly affection, but no traditional title was bestowed on him.
The palace explained that the phrase, "Awada Konge Oduwa", which Baba Ijesha later described on social media as a chieftaincy title, was merely a humorous remark made by the Ooni during a relaxed conversation in appreciation of the actor's contributions to comedy.
The monarch stressed that the expression was never intended to signify a formal installation or conferment of any traditional honour.
He noted that Baba Ijesha, being an indigene of Ile-Ife, remains worthy of recognition and could be considered for a chieftaincy title at a later date.
"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," the Ooni said.
While expressing appreciation to Baba Ijesha for acknowledging the royal generosity extended to him and his family, the Ooni urged media organisations and members of the public to ignore reports alleging that the actor had been installed as the "Awada Konge Oduwa" or granted any chieftaincy title.
The monarch also reaffirmed his commitment to recognising and supporting deserving sons and daughters of Ile-Ife and the Oodua race while preserving the dignity, sanctity and integrity of the traditional chieftaincy institution.