The Ooni of Ife’s palace has officially denied Nollywood actor Baba Ijesha’s claim that he was conferred with a chieftaincy title during his recent visit to the monarch, although it confirmed that the actor received a brand-new car as a gift. The clarification, issued by the palace spokesperson Moses Olafere, comes after Baba Ijesha and his wife, Luminee, were received by Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where the actor publicly announced the honor of being titled “Baba Awada Konge Oduwa, Ile Ife, Ile Oodua.” The palace’s response has ignited widespread debate across social media platforms, with many Nigerians questioning the authenticity of the actor’s claims and the timing of the palace’s statement.
Olafere told Punch that while the Ooni did indeed gift Baba Ijesha a car, there was no record or official process for conferring a chieftaincy title during the visit. He emphasized that the monarch frequently gives vehicles to individuals from various backgrounds, including traditional rulers and public figures, and that such gestures are not uncommon. “Kabiyesi gives cars to people. This is not the first time. He has given cars to many people, including me and popular figures like Haruna Ishola and Sefiu Alao. He gives out cars almost every day,” Olafere stated, underscoring the routine nature of the gift.
Another source within the palace echoed this sentiment, stating that formal chieftaincy titles are not awarded in the casual manner Baba Ijesha described. The palace insists that such honors follow a structured and ceremonial process, which was not observed in this instance. The denial has prompted mixed reactions online, with some users accusing the palace of damage control amid growing public backlash over the association with the actor.
Social media users expressed strong opinions, with @Yemisikunlipe suggesting the palace was “damage control after seeing the backlash,” while @iamgbemiare criticized the decision to give a car to Baba Ijesha, stating, “There are far more deserving people to give a car to if hand is scratching Ooni to do a car giveaway.” Others, like @auntynene_blog, condemned the actor’s actions, saying, “First he graped a little girl, now he’s adding lies to his resume. What an embarrassment.” Despite the criticism, some users urged calm, with @b_4bimz commenting, “They should just relax; they’re doing too much for validation.”
The incident has drawn attention to the public perception of traditional institutions and the scrutiny they face when interacting with celebrities. As the debate continues, the Ooni’s palace remains firm in its position, emphasizing transparency and protocol. The situation highlights the growing intersection between traditional authority and public image in modern Nigeria, where every gesture by a monarch can spark national conversation. Moving forward, the palace’s handling of such engagements will likely be watched closely by both supporters and critics alike.
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