The palace of the Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has denied claims by Nollywood actor James Olanrewaju Omiyinka that he was recently honoured with a chieftaincy title by the monarch.
Speaking with Saturday Beats, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, confirmed that the actor received a vehicle from the monarch but said he had no knowledge of any traditional title being conferred on him.
“I am not aware of the chieftaincy title, but I am aware of the car,” Olafare said.
The clarification followed Baba Ijesha’s announcement on Facebook that the Ooni had honoured him after the birth of his son by presenting him with several gifts, including a brand-new car and what he described as a chieftaincy title.
In the post, the actor expressed appreciation to the monarch for the warm reception and fatherly support shown to him and his wife, fashion designer Abiodun Tokunbo, popularly known as Luminee.
Baba Ijesha claimed he was installed as “Baba Awada Konge Oduwa. Ile Ife, Ile Oodua!”
Reacting to the claim, Olafare noted that the Ooni has a long-standing tradition of giving out vehicles to individuals and traditional rulers, saying the gesture was not unusual.
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“Kabiyesi gives cars to people. This is not the first time. He has given cars to so many people, including kings and individuals, and it is not a new thing.”
He added, “So many people have benefited from Kabiyesi’s car gifts, including me and popular people like Haruna Ishola and Sefiu Alao. He gives out cars almost every day.”
Another source within the palace also dismissed the actor’s claim, insisting that chieftaincy titles are not conferred in the manner described.
The source described the announcement as “probably a joke,” adding, “I am not aware of the chieftaincy title.”
The actor has remained in the spotlight in recent weeks following the arrival of his newborn son.
In a recent social media post, Baba Ijesha shared a video of himself travelling with his wife and their baby, saying it was the first time he had embarked on a trip with his own family.
Overflowing with excitement, he praised his wife, describing her as a beautiful queen, thanked her for standing by him, and prayed for God’s blessings, protection and lasting peace over their home.