Entertainment
Baba Ijesha Receives Chieftaincy Title, Brand-New Car from Ooni of Ife
Baba Ijesha Receives Chieftaincy Title, Brand-New Car from Ooni of Ife
Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has announced that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, conferred a chieftaincy title on him and presented him with a brand-new car during a recent visit to the monarch’s palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The actor disclosed the development in a Facebook post on Thursday, where he expressed gratitude to the revered traditional ruler for what he described as a warm royal reception, fatherly support and generous gifts extended to him and his wife, Afolashade Omiyinka, popularly known as Luminee.
According to Baba Ijesha, the Ooni bestowed on him the traditional title of “Baba Awada Konge Oduwa,” a recognition he described as a significant milestone in his life.
Sharing photographs from the palace visit, the actor thanked the monarch for the honour and the confidence reposed in him and his family.
“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 and me. For the luxurious gifts you blessed us with, including the brand-new car, I am truly humbled.
“As a son of the soil, I am honoured by the chieftaincy title of Baba Awada Konge Oduwa. Ile-Ife, Ile Oodua, and all the chiefs and citizens, thank you.”
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As of the time of filing this report, the Ooni’s Palace had not issued an official statement confirming the conferment of the title or the presentation of the vehicle. The announcement is based on Baba Ijesha’s public statement and photographs shared from the palace visit.
The reported royal recognition comes just weeks after the actor and his wife welcomed their first child together, a baby boy named King Kagar Omiyinka.
Baba Ijesha announced the birth on social media, thanking God for the new addition to his family and describing the child as a divine blessing. The couple later held a naming ceremony that attracted attention on social media after the cost of the Aso Ebi fabric generated mixed reactions among Nigerians.
The actor’s latest announcement has equally sparked widespread reactions online.
While many fans and well-wishers congratulated Baba Ijesha on receiving what they described as a prestigious traditional honour, others questioned the decision in light of his previous conviction.
In July 2022, Baba Ijesha was convicted by a Lagos Special Offences Court on charges relating to the sexual assault of a minor and sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment.
However, following a review of the applicable sentencing provisions and credit for time already spent in custody, he was released in November 2025 after serving more than three years in prison.
Since regaining his freedom, the actor has gradually returned to public life, frequently sharing updates about his family and expressing gratitude for what he describes as a second chance.
The reported honour from the Ooni has reignited public debate, with supporters describing it as an act of cultural recognition and encouragement, while critics argue that public honours should take into account the broader societal implications of celebrating individuals with criminal convictions.
The development has once again placed Baba Ijesha, the Ooni of Ife, and the conversation around traditional honours and public accountability at the centre of public discourse.
Baba Ijesha Receives Chieftaincy Title, Brand-New Car from Ooni of Ife
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Entertainment
Phyna Knocks Out Nkechi Blessing in Fourth Round, Wins ₦50m, New Car
Phyna Knocks Out Nkechi Blessing in Fourth Round, Wins ₦50m, New Car
Reality TV star Phyna has defeated Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday by fourth-round knockout in their highly anticipated celebrity boxing bout in Lagos.
The contest took place at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, during Balmoral Promotions’ Chaos in the Ring event in the early hours of Friday, October 2.
The four-round bout ended in the final round after Phyna knocked Nkechi Blessing to the canvas, securing victory in one of the headline contests of the celebrity boxing event.
Phyna, the winner of the 2022 edition of the reality TV show Big Brother Naija, had been involved in a heated build-up with Nkechi Blessing before the fight, with both entertainers trading words during their promotional activities.
After the opening three rounds, Phyna stepped up her attack in the fourth and eventually stopped the actress to bring the contest to an end.
The victory earned Phyna a ₦50 million cash prize and a new car, adding to the attention surrounding her participation in the boxing event.
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Following her victory, Phyna indicated that she was interested in continuing with boxing and also called out actress Etinosa Idemudia, who was present at the event.
Etinosa accepted the challenge, potentially setting up another celebrity boxing bout involving Phyna.
The Phyna-Nkechi Blessing contest was one of several celebrity bouts staged as part of Chaos in the Ring, which combined entertainment personalities with professional boxing.
Another celebrity contest featured content creator Carter Efe against entertainer Speed Darlington, with Carter Efe emerging victorious.
The professional headline bout saw Ghanaian boxer Seth “Freezy Macbones” Gyimah defeat Nigeria’s Godday “Zodsolo” Appah to claim the WBO African Light Heavyweight Continental Championship.
The Lagos event attracted entertainers, boxing fans and other personalities, with the celebrity contests generating significant attention ahead of and during the programme.
For Phyna, however, the night ended with a knockout victory over Nkechi Blessing, a ₦50 million prize, a new car and a fresh challenge for another celebrity boxing contest.
Phyna Knocks Out Nkechi Blessing in Fourth Round, Wins ₦50m, New Car
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Entertainment
Nollywood Mourns as Actor Cjay Nwokafor Dies Suddenly
Nollywood Mourns as Actor Cjay Nwokafor Dies Suddenly
The Nollywood industry has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of actor Chijioke Temidayo Nwokafor, popularly known as Cjay Nwoks or Cjay.
Cjay died on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, after he was taken to a hospital in the Badore area of Lagos State, according to reports. His colleague, actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday, announced his death in an emotional social media video from the hospital.
Nkechi said she had spoken with Cjay at about 8am on Wednesday, only to learn of his death a few hours later. She described the development as devastating and said they had plans together before his sudden passing.
The actress had also been preparing to release her movie Egusi Ogbono, in which Cjay featured, at 5pm the same day. Following news of his death, she cancelled the planned release.
The cause of Cjay Nwokafor’s death has not been officially disclosed by his family or a medical authority.
However, actor Emeka Okoye, while mourning his colleague, alleged that a shortage of oxygen at the hospital contributed to Cjay’s death and questioned the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system. The allegation has not been independently verified and should not be treated as the established cause of death.
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Okoye also described Cjay as a talented baker who used his skills to support and help others. He said the late actor had touched the lives of several people beyond his work in the film industry.
Cjay’s death has shocked colleagues and fans, particularly because he had remained active in the industry shortly before his passing. An interview with the actor focusing on his career and ambitions was published only days before his death.
Born in Awka, Anambra State, and based in Lagos, Cjay began his professional acting career in 2021. He went on to feature in several Nollywood productions, including Larry Cold, Mum Overnight, A Day to My Wedding, The Lies She Tell, What Time Left, Fond of You, Godly Escort and Tide.
In an interview published shortly before his death, Cjay recalled how his first experience on a film set influenced his decision to pursue acting professionally. He said working alongside filmmaker Ruth Kadiri helped inspire his interest in building a career in Nollywood.
His appearance in Egusi Ogbono was among his recent projects, with the film’s scheduled release cancelled following his death.
Nkechi Blessing later shared a video collage featuring moments she spent with Cjay, expressing disbelief over the loss and the plans they had made. Fellow entertainers, including Fathia Williams, Peggy Ovire, Destiny Etiko and Ruth Kadiri, were among those who expressed condolences following news of his death.
Cjay’s final social media posts have also drawn renewed attention from fans, with many expressing shock at the suddenness of his passing.
As of Thursday, October 1, no official cause of death had been announced, and details of his funeral arrangements had not been made public.
The death adds to the recent losses recorded in Nollywood, as colleagues and fans continue to pay tribute to the actor and remember his contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
Nollywood Mourns as Actor Cjay Nwokafor Dies Suddenly
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Entertainment
Jetour Takes Adventure Beyond the Road, Brings Solar-powered Borehole to Ibeju-Lekki community
Jetour Takes Adventure Beyond the Road, Brings Solar-powered Borehole to Ibeju-Lekki community
Jetour Nigeria has taken its SUV adventure beyond the asphalt, combining a high-octane convoy through some of Lagos toughest coastal trails with a humanitarian intervention that delivered clean, reliable water to the people of Iwerekun Orile, Ibeju Lekki.
The automaker’s 2026 Africa Expedition last Saturday turned into more than a showcase of automotive power and off-road capability as the convoy of eight Jetour models arrived at the Roman Catholic Mission Primary School, Iwerekun Orile, to commission a new solar-powered borehole for the community.

The convoy, comprising the Jetour Dashing, X50, X70 Plus, X90 Plus, T2, T2 PHEV, X70 PHEV and flagship G700, departed Falomo Square, Ikoyi, after a road safety briefing by the Federal Road Safety Corps.
Escorted by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, the convoy moved through Victoria Island and beyond the city’s urban landscape before tackling difficult stretches of the Coastal Highway.
The demanding terrain, characterised by swampy sections, rocks and uneven trails, provided an opportunity for the vehicles to demonstrate their off-road capability and endurance.
But beyond the adventure and display of automotive technology, the expedition took on a more significant purpose when the convoy arrived at the Roman Catholic Mission Primary School, Iwerekun Orile.
There, Jetour Nigeria commissioned a new solar-powered borehole, providing the school and surrounding community with access to clean and reliable water.

The intervention was greeted with excitement as schoolchildren, traditional leaders, farmers and market women turned out to welcome the visitors with cultural performances.
Jetour also distributed food items to households in the community, while pupils received books and refreshments.
A representative of Jetour Nigeria, Kemi Adeola, said the initiative reflected the company’s belief that its activities should extend beyond automobiles to making a positive difference in the communities it reaches.
“This is where adventure meets purpose,” Adeola said. “Our mission doesn’t stop at building capable vehicles; it lives in our pledge to drive tangible progress and touch the hearts of the communities we reach.”
The community’s traditional leader, High Chief Michael Oluwa, described the water project as an unprecedented development in the history of Iwerekun Orile and pledged that residents would protect and maintain the facility.
The head teacher of the school, Mrs Ariyike Bakre, also expressed gratitude to Jetour, describing the intervention as a lifetime gift to the school and community.
“This is my first time seeing a solar-powered borehole,” Bakre said, adding that the facility would make a significant difference to the children and residents.

She thanked Jetour for making it possible for the community to witness the commissioning of the project.
The expedition later ended at a beach lounge, where the drivers, organisers and participants relaxed over food, music and entertainment.
For Jetour Nigeria, however, the significance of the expedition extended beyond conquering difficult terrain. It demonstrated how an automotive adventure could be linked to community development, leaving behind not only memories of a demanding road trip but also a lasting source of clean water for Iwerekun Orile.

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