The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has sparked widespread public outcry after bestowing a chieftaincy title upon the actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, and presenting him with a brand-new vehicle shortly after his release from prison. The actor had recently concluded a jail term following his conviction for the sexual assault of a minor, a case that drew significant national condemnation and galvanized advocacy groups fighting against gender-based violence. The move by the traditional monarch, who is widely regarded as a custodian of Yoruba cultural values and ethics, has been met with intense backlash from human rights activists, social media commentators, and the general public, many of whom argue that the gesture undermines the struggle for justice for sexual violence survivors. Critics suggest that elevating an individual convicted of such a heinous crime to a position of traditional honor sends a troubling message about the societal treatment of offenders versus victims. While the palace has historically engaged in various philanthropic and community-building activities, this specific endorsement is being viewed by many as a lapse in judgment that diminishes the moral authority associated with the throne. As the controversy continues to trend across major platforms, stakeholders are calling for a reassessment of how traditional institutions handle public figures whose reputations are tainted by criminal conduct, emphasizing that true leadership should prioritize the protection of the vulnerable over the rehabilitation of high-profile offenders within the cultural hierarchy.
