Ooni’s Palace Denies Baba Ijesha’s Claim of Chieftaincy Title

Actor James Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has come under public scrutiny after the palace of the Ooni of Ife denied his claim that he was conferred with a chieftaincy title during a recent visit to the monarch.

Baba Ijesha had announced on social media that he and his wife Luminee were warmly received by the Ooni of Ife, who presented them with gifts, including a brand new car, and honoured him with the title “Baba Awada Konge Oduwa, Ile Ife, Ile Oodua.”

However, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, said he was only aware that the actor received a car from the monarch.

“I am not aware of the chieftaincy title, but I am aware of the car,” Olafare said.

He added that the monarch regularly gives out vehicles to people.

He said, “Kabiyesi gives cars to people. This is not the first time. He has given cars to many people, including kings and other individuals, and this is not new.

“Many people have benefited from Kabiyesi’s car gifts, including me and popular figures like Haruna Ishola and Sefiu Alao. He gives out cars almost every day.”

Another palace source also dismissed Baba Ijesha’s claim, insisting that formal chieftaincy titles are not conferred in that manner.

The palace’s response has sparked debate on social media, with some users questioning the clarification.

One user, Yemisikunlipe, wrote: “Damage control after seeing the backlash.”

Before visiting the palace, Baba Ijesha had shared a video expressing gratitude for what he described as a new chapter in his life. He said it was the first time he had travelled with his family and vowed not to misuse what he called his second chance.

The visit came weeks after Baba Ijesha and Luminee welcomed a baby boy, an announcement that generated mixed reactions online.

Baba Ijesha regained his freedom in November 2025 after serving a prison term following his conviction for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child. The Lagos State Government later clarified that he was released because he had completed his sentence and was not cleared of the