Baba Ijesha and Ooni of Ife. Photo credit: Baba Ijesha
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has come under criticism on social media after actor James Olarenwaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, announced that the monarch gifted him a brand-new car, luxury items and a chieftaincy title following the birth of his son.
The announcement, made by the actor on Wednesday, sparked mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians questioning the decision to honour the actor, who was convicted in 2022 for sexually assaulting a minor.
In a post on his social media page, Baba Ijesha expressed appreciation to the traditional ruler for what he described as a royal reception and fatherly support extended to him and his wife, fashion designer Abiodun Tokunbo, popularly known as Luminee.
“My deepest gratitude to His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife. Baba, thank you for the royal welcome, fatherly love, and the confidence you gave my wife Afolashade Omiyinka and I,” Baba Ijesha wrote.
