A recent interview granted by convicted Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha has triggered a negative string of events.
The controversy began on March 23, 2026, when actress and podcast host Biola Adebayo released an episode of her programme Talk-To-B Baba Ijesha. The interview came shortly after his release from prison following a conviction for sexual assault involving a minor.
During the session, the actor stated that he had been “set up” and made remarks referencing the family of the victim. His comments quickly drew criticism from viewers, many of whom questioned the decision to provide him with a platform so soon after his release.
Among the first to respond was comedian and actress Damilola Adekoya, widely known as Princess, who is the foster mother of the victim in the case. In a video posted to Instagram on March 25, 2026, she criticised Adebayo’s decision in strong terms.
“You said you have also been a victim of rape. Would you… be confident if the person… went on TV many years after assaulting you and starts casting aspersions on your family?” she said. She added, “Since that video you did came out, people have continuously trolled, insulted me… I’ve just been blocking, blocking.”
Princess argued that the interview had caused renewed distress for the victim and her family and accused Adebayo of prioritising audience engagement over sensitivity. “Since it’s for views and it’s for money, it’s okay,” she said.
In response, Adebayo issued a public apology the same day. She explained that the interview was intended as an opportunity for the actor to address the public. “I asked him, ‘Do you want to do an interview to apologise?’… I thought he would apologise, but he did not,” she said. She maintained that she did not support his actions, adding, “I would never be an accomplice to a paedophile or a rapist.” The interview was subsequently taken down.
The situation drew in actress Iyabo Ojo, who had been a prominent advocate for justice during the original case. Although not directly involved in the interview, she became part of the discussion after Baba Ijesha made mention of her children, claiming he was once placed to look after them. Adebayo addressed this in her statement, saying, “A lot of people are insinuating that the video is to tarnish Iyabo Ojo’s image. I would never do that.”
The dispute grew further when actress Lizzy Anjorin issued a warning to Adebayo on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, referencing a previous interview on the same platform. Anjorin alleged that an earlier episode featuring Iyabo Ojo had subjected her and her family to ridicule. She demanded that the video be removed, stating, “Since you were quick to delete the Baba Ijesha video… the same rule applies here. This is not a request, it is a warning.”
The present controversy is closely tied to events that began in April 2021, when Baba Ijesha was accused of sexually assaulting a minor under Princess’s care. The case attracted widespread attention after video evidence emerged and was circulated publicly.
Legal proceedings followed, and on July 14, 2022, a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja convicted Omiyinka of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child. He was sentenced to prison terms of five years and three years, to run concurrently.
Following his release, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice clarified that his conviction remained on record and that his name had been entered into the state’s Sexual Offenders Register.
