Biola Bayo Removes Controversial Baba Ijesha Interview Following Public Outcry
Nigerian actress and media personality Biola Bayo has taken down her recent interview with convicted actor Olarewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, from both her Instagram page and YouTube channel. This action comes in response to widespread backlash from social media users who questioned the appropriateness of providing a platform to the actor following his conviction for sexual offenses involving a minor.
Swift Removal Without Official Explanation
The interview, which featured Baba Ijesha speaking publicly about his past conviction and legal troubles, began circulating online shortly after its initial posting. It quickly attracted significant attention as one of the actor's most visible public appearances since his conviction and subsequent imprisonment. As of the latest reports, Biola Bayo has not issued any formal statement explaining the specific reasons behind the video's removal from her digital platforms.
Controversial Content Sparks Immediate Criticism
During the now-removed interview, Baba Ijesha made several controversial statements that ignited immediate criticism across Nigerian social media. The actor denied being a rapist or paedophile, insisting that he had been misunderstood throughout his legal ordeal. Many Nigerians online argued that providing him with an unchallenged platform risked downplaying the seriousness of his conviction and the gravity of sexual violence cases.
Iyabo Ojo Issues Legal Warning Over Family References
The situation escalated significantly when Baba Ijesha made specific claims about his past relationship with prominent actress Iyabo Ojo. During the interview, he alleged that Iyabo Ojo had, at some point in the past, left her children in his care when they were younger. This claim prompted a direct and forceful response from Iyabo Ojo, who addressed the statement through her Instagram story.
"I have no problem with you telling your side of the story," Iyabo Ojo wrote. "But take this as a notice to cease and desist from using my children as your cheap bait." She categorically rejected the claim, explaining that her children were always under the supervision of nannies or her late mother and were never left alone with the actor.
Ojo further clarified that her business environment at the time included multiple staff members, making it highly unlikely that she would have personally handled errands in a manner that exposed her children. She emphasized that her relationship with Baba Ijesha was strictly professional, describing him as a senior colleague and nothing more.
Reference to Legal Outcome and Threat of Action
The actress pointed directly to the outcome of the legal case against Baba Ijesha, stating: "The court found you guilty based on evidence, so please don't drag my kids into this." Iyabo Ojo issued a clear warning that she would pursue legal action if the actor continued to mention her children publicly in his narratives.
Background of Baba Ijesha's Legal Troubles
Baba Ijesha's legal difficulties began in 2021 when he was arrested over allegations of sexual assault involving a minor. The child was under the care of comedienne Princess the Comedian, who brought the matter to public attention. The case gained national prominence, particularly after video evidence surfaced, sparking widespread outrage and debate across Nigeria.
He was subsequently charged in court, where the case was heard over several months. In 2022, a Lagos court found him guilty based on the evidence presented and sentenced him to 16 years imprisonment. Following his conviction, Baba Ijesha filed an appeal challenging the judgment.
Recent Developments and Sex Offender Registration
In more recent developments, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency confirmed that Baba Ijesha's name has been officially entered into the Lagos State Sex Offenders Register after he completed his jail term. According to a statement shared on the agency's official X handle, this move aligns with Section 37 of its law and aims to protect minors while ensuring accurate information is available to the public.
Ongoing Public Discussion and Media Scrutiny
The combination of Baba Ijesha's release from prison, the recent interview with Biola Bayo, the subsequent public backlash, and the eventual removal of the content has reignited public discussion about the case. The episode has raised important questions about media responsibility, platforming convicted individuals, and the ongoing societal conversation about sexual violence and accountability in Nigeria's entertainment industry.
The sustained backlash focused not only on Baba Ijesha's specific comments during the interview but also on the broader ethical question of whether convicted individuals should be given prominent media platforms without substantial challenge or context. The removal of the video has now become part of this ongoing discussion, though no official justification has been provided by Biola Bayo or her representatives.
