Ooni of Ife Denies Chieftaincy Title for Baba Ijesha

The Ooni of Ife has officially denied reports that he conferred a chieftaincy title on Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha. This clarification was issued on Saturday by Mose Olafar, the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni's Palace.

The denial followed Baba Ijesha's visit to the palace on Wednesday, where he was hosted alongside his wife to celebrate the birth of their son. During this visit, the Ooni presented Baba Ijesha with a brand new car and cash as a gesture of goodwill and fatherly support, but emphasized that this did not equate to a traditional title.

The Ooni remarked on Baba Ijesha's outstanding career in comedy, but clarified that no formal installation of a title took place, as such processes require adherence to established customs and traditional rites. The Ooni reaffirmed his commitment to honor deserving individuals within the Ife community and the wider Oodua race.