Nigerian actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, says the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, gifted him and his wife, Abiodun Folashade Tokunbo, a brand new car and honoured him with a chieftaincy title.

The actor announced the gifts in a Facebook post on Wednesday. He thanked the monarch for the warm reception and generous support during their visit to the Ile-Ife palace.

Royal honour at Ile-Ife

Baba Ijesha shared photos of himself and his wife kneeling before the Ooni. The couple wore matching white outfits as palace chiefs received them with royal honours.

The actor said the monarch conferred on him the title Baba Awada Konge Oduwa, which means father of comedy meets Oduduwa.

“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 me,” he wrote.

“For the luxurious gifts you blessed us with, and the brand new car. I am truly humbled. As a son of the soil. I’m also honoured by the chieftaincy title Baba Awada Konge Oduwa Ile Ife, Ile Oodua!

Return to public life

The palace visit came months after Baba Ijesha regained his freedom in November 2025.

A Lagos High Court convicted him in 2022 on charges of indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault. The court sentenced him to 16 years. However, the sentences ran concurrently, so he spent about five years in prison.

During his imprisonment, the actor continued to deny the allegations. In April 2024, he claimed he had been framed. He alleged that he was only “acting according to a script” provided by a colleague.

He later released a song titled Eniwaye Daran. In the song, he narrates the events that led to his arrest. He also accused comedian Princess of inviting him to her home under the guise of offering him a meal and a movie role