Baba Ijesha said the Ooni of Ife gave him a new car, gifts, chieftaincy title after the birth of his son

Nollywood actor James Olarenwaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has revealed that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, honored him with a new car, lavish gifts and traditional titles after the birth of his son.

The actor made the announcement via a Facebook post on Thursday, in which he publicly thanked the revered monarch for what he described as an extraordinary show of kindness and acceptance extended to him and his wife, fashion designer Abiodun Tokunbo, popularly known as Luminee.

Expressing appreciation to the Ooni, Baba Ijesha said the welcome he and his family received in Ile-Ife exceeded their expectations.

“My deepest thanks to His Majesty the Emperor, Ooni of Ife. Baba, thank you for the royal welcome, fatherly love and trust you have placed in my wife Afolashade Omiyinka and me,” wrote Baba Ijesha.

He further revealed that the king gave him several gifts, including a new vehicle, and also conferred on him the traditional title of Baba Awada Konge Oduwa.

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“For the luxurious gifts you gave us, and the new car – I am truly humbled. As a son of the soil. I am also honored with the title of Baba Awada Konge Oduwa chieftain. Ile Ife, Ile Oodua! … ATI IJOYE PELU GBOGBO OMO ILE IFE THANK YOU SIR/MA.”

This latest development comes just weeks after Baba Ijesha and Luminee attracted huge attention on social media with the announcement of the birth of their baby boy.

News of the child’s birth received widespread attention on June 15, 2026, generating congratulatory messages as well as mixed reactions from the public.

Two days earlier, on June 13, Luminee shared a post revealing that she had given birth to a son without identifying the child’s father. She later posted a pregnancy photo featuring herself and Baba Ijesha, which effectively confirmed their relationship and sparked a lot of reactions from fans, colleagues and well-wishers.

Baba Ijesha returned to public life after regaining his freedom in November 2025, after completing a three-year prison sentence following his conviction for indecent treatment of children and sexual abuse of minors.