Ooni of Ife Gifts Baba Ijesha Car, Luxurious Items and Chieftaincy Title

Nollywood actor James Olarenwaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has revealed that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, gifted him a brand‑new car, luxurious items, and a chieftaincy title in celebration of the birth of his son.

The actor made the announcement in a Facebook post on Thursday, expressing deep gratitude to the monarch for what he described as a royal welcome and fatherly honour 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.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the actor further disclosed that the Ooni blessed him with luxurious gifts, a brand‑new car, and conferred on him the chieftaincy title “Baba Awada Konge Oduwa”, adding that he felt honoured as “a son of the soil.”

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The development comes weeks after Baba Ijesha and Luminee attracted mixed reactions online following the announcement of their son’s birth on June 15, 2026. Prior to the announcement, Luminee had hinted at the baby’s gender in a June 13 post without revealing the father’s identity. She later shared maternity photos featuring herself and Baba Ijesha, prompting widespread congratulatory messages from fans and colleagues.

ValidViewNetwork reports that Baba Ijesha regained his freedom in November 2025 after serving a three‑year jail term for indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault of a minor — a case that generated nationwide debate and divided public opinion.

As the actor steps into a new chapter marked by fatherhood, royal recognition, and renewed public attention, his latest honour from the Ooni of Ife signals a significant cultural endorsement and a symbolic reintegration into the Yoruba artistic community.