Biola Adebayo Faces Intense Criticism Following Controversial Podcast with Baba Ijesha
Nollywood actress and podcaster Biola Adebayo has ignited a significant public controversy after featuring convicted actor Baba Ijesha on her popular podcast, Talk to B. The episode, released on Sunday, March 22, 2026, marked Baba Ijesha's first public appearance since his release from prison in November 2025, triggering widespread backlash across social media platforms.
Podcast Episode Sparks Immediate Social Media Firestorm
The interview has drawn sharp criticism from numerous social media users who have expressed strong disapproval of Adebayo's decision to provide Baba Ijesha with a platform to share his perspective. Many netizens have threatened to unfollow the actress and report her social media pages in response to the controversial content. The backlash centers on concerns about platforming someone with a criminal conviction, with critics arguing that the interview was unnecessary and potentially harmful.
Baba Ijesha's Claims and Denials During the Interview
During the podcast conversation, Baba Ijesha, whose real name is Olanrewaju James, vehemently denied the allegations that led to his conviction, asserting that the narrative circulating on social media was completely inaccurate. The actor specifically stated, "I never asked her out, never dated her, never hugged or kissed her" in reference to actress Princess. He also expressed deep emotional distress regarding fellow actress Iyabo Ojo's involvement in his case, revealing that she had previously trusted him enough to leave her children in his care when they were younger.
Legal Background and Previous Conviction
Baba Ijesha was originally sentenced to five years' imprisonment in 2022, with the Court of Appeal in 2024 upholding certain aspects of the conviction while dismissing others related to earlier allegations. After completing his prison term and undergoing additional legal proceedings, he was released in November 2025. His appearance on Adebayo's podcast represents his first attempt to publicly address the circumstances surrounding his case since gaining freedom.
Social Media Reactions and Public Sentiment
The controversy has generated substantial discussion online, with many users questioning Adebayo's judgment and motives. Representative comments from social media include:
- joyous_kitchen03 stated: "I just unfollowed you."
- naheemaharos reacted: "Why would you platform someone like this?"
- moyoscooooo commented: "I want to believe Biola Bayo is going through a lot Because why on earth is Baba Ijesha on her podcast There was video evidence fgs It was not a case of somebody said."
- bukkyogunkoya expressed: "@biolabayo1 I wonder where your legal team was when you decided to do this. Sigh. You help to bring innocent children into this dark world where a man like this exist. If he is innocent let him contend it in court. But doing this is very wrong. I want to believe some people advised you to. This seed you have sown ehen it will grow, trust me it will."
- rhiks_place remarked: "Hypocrisy of the highest Order.. This interview isn’t even Needed . It’s just as if @biolabayo1 is Enabling Him more . Because why are you giving someone like this a platform?"
Broader Context and Related Developments
The controversy occurs against the backdrop of ongoing discussions within the Nollywood community about accountability and platform ethics. Following Baba Ijesha's release, actress Iyabo Ojo returned to social media with a video of herself playing her famous male character while dancing to a song by Slim Case, which trended across platforms on Saturday, November 15, 2025. This development came as Iyabo Ojo became a major topic of conversation online in connection with Baba Ijesha's release from prison.
The situation continues to evolve as both supporters and critics of Adebayo's decision engage in heated debates about media responsibility, rehabilitation, and the appropriate use of public platforms for individuals with criminal histories. The podcast episode has undoubtedly placed Biola Adebayo at the center of a complex ethical discussion within Nigeria's entertainment industry.
