Nollywood actor James Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, is in the news again as the Ooni’s palace denies his chieftaincy claims.
Kemi Filani reported that the Ijesha and his wife, Luminee had visited the Monarch, who honoured them with a royal welcome and fatherly love. The Ooni blessed them with luxurious gifts, a brand-new car and a chieftaincy title. According to Baba Ijesha, he was bestowed with the title, “Baba Awada Konge Oduwa, Ile Ife, Ile Oodua”.
Following his claims, the palace of the Ooni of Ife, through its spokesperson, Moses Olafere, said in an interview with Punch that he was aware the actor received a car from the monarch but knew nothing about any chieftaincy title.
Olafere maintained that while the monarch is known for giving out cars, he couldn’t confirm the claim about the chieftaincy title.
“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 the claim that Baba Ijesha received a formal chieftaincy title, insisting that such honours are not conferred in that manner.
His statement has left social media users divided, as many believe the monarch was trying to save face following intense backlash.
One Yemisikunlipe wrote, “Damage control after seeing the backlash
One funmistik_thediva wrote, “Lobatan
One iamgbemiare wrote, “The damage has been done already to the office of the Ooni for even associating with him in the first place. There are far more deserving people to give a car to if hand is scratching Ooni to do a car giveaway
One auntynene_blog wrote, “First he graped a little girl, now he’s adding lies to his resume. What an embarrassment
One b_4bimz wrote, “They should just relax; they’re doing too much for validation
One sholextop wrote, “Shame no come too much
One prettytweety wrote, “Make them self calm down small. One week plenty bashing”.
While enroute to visit the Ooni, Ijesha had gushed about his new life as he revealed that this was the first time he had travelling with his family since he was born. Ijesha said he is grateful for his life and vowed not to misuse his second chance.
Recall that in 2022, Baba Ijesha had bagged 5 years imprisonment for raping comedienne, Princess’s 14 years old daughter.
On Friday, November 15th, 2025, the famous actor was released from prison, after spending over three years in custody over alleged sexual assault.
Barely a year after his release, Ijesha shocked many when he announced that he was now married and had welcomed a child with Luminee. He said that God had written his story and had given him more than he prayed for – a wife and now a baby boy.
Confirming the news, Luminee expressed how overwhelmed she was with joy at their baby’s birth. She affirmed her love for Ijesha, saying he is one in a million and his heart is pure.
While sharing more maternity photos of herself and Ijesha, she revealed that their newborn son is the first boy in the family, and has been christened King Kagar Omiyinka.
Amid the backlash, Luminee had shared before-and-after photos of herself with Ijesha. She said that privacy is peace to her, and that it was the right time for them to fly together.
