Ooni's palace clarifies Baba Ijesha received a vehicle, not a traditional honor

The Ooni of Ife's palace has disputed claims made by James Olarenwaju, also known as Baba Ijesha, that he was awarded a chieftaincy title by the monarch, with the palace's spokesperson, Moses Olafare, stating that he was only aware of the actor receiving a car from the Ooni.

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Olafare's statement was made in response to an interview with Saturday Beats, where he clarified that while the actor did receive a vehicle, he had no knowledge of a chieftaincy title being conferred upon him, saying "I am not aware of the chieftaincy title, but I am aware of the car".

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Baba Ijesha had earlier announced on Facebook that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, had honoured him with several royal gifts, including a new car and a chieftaincy title, following the birth of his son, expressing his gratitude to the monarch and describing the gesture as a display of fatherly love and royal honour.

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The actor also revealed that he was bestowed with the title "Baba Awada Konge Oduwa, Ile Ife, Ile Oodua", although Olafare maintained that the monarch is known for giving out cars, he could not confirm the claim about the title, stating that "Kabiyesi gives cars to people, this is not the first time".

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Olafare further explained that the Ooni has given cars to many individuals, including kings and notable figures like Haruna Ishola and Sefiu Alao, adding that "so many people have benefited from Kabiyesi's car gifts, including me and popular people, he gives out cars almost every day".

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A separate palace source also dismissed the claim that Baba Ijesha received a formal chieftaincy title, describing the claim as "probably a joke" and reiterating that they were "not aware of the chieftaincy title".

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The controversy surrounding Baba Ijesha's chieftaincy title comes as the actor continues to attract public attention following the birth of his son, with the actor recently sharing a video of himself travelling with his wife, Abiodun Tokunbo, also known as Luminee, and their newborn child.

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In the video's caption, Baba Ijesha mentioned that it was the first time in his life he had embarked on a trip with his own family, and he praised his "wife" as a beautiful queen, thanking her for standing by him and praying for God's protection over their home.

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Baba Ijesha also asked for long life and declared that no one should separate them, speaking with visible excitement as he expressed his joy and gratitude.