Nollywood actress and podcaster Biola Adebayo has come under intense criticism on social media for featuring convicted actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, on her show, Talk To B.
The interview, which has since gone viral, has sparked outrage among Nigerians who accused the actress of giving the actor a platform to downplay his conviction for sexual offences involving a minor.
During the interview, Baba Ijesha maintained that the incident that led to his conviction was a “setup,” insisting that he was misunderstood. He also suggested that parts of the incident were linked to a “movie preparation,” a claim that has drawn widespread criticism online.
The actor also revisited his relationship with Iyabo Ojo, stating that she once entrusted him with the care of her children, Festus and Priscilla, during their childhood.
The claim has since been disputed by Ojo, who warned him against involving her children in his narrative and threatened legal action if he continues to mention them.
The interview has since triggered a wave of reactions across social media platforms, particularly on X, where several users condemned both the actor and the host.
A user, #tolu_fakoya, wrote, “There is nowhere in the world and no one in their right senses and mind should be granting a child rapist any interview. No one. Biola Adebayo is appalling.”
Another user, #Fortwin___, said, “They need to rearrest Baba Ijesha then Biola Adebayo. Because you must be mad to be caught on camera molesting a child, go to jail for it and come outside to say they lied on your head or it’s AI. They should throw him back to jail. People like this should not be given any platform at all.”
Similarly, #oluwatobinihami wrote, “If it was this year or last year they arrested that man, so many people would say the CCTV footage was generated by AI. That man is just too confident because people are still giving him a platform.”
Another user, #TheChibuogwu, criticised the development, saying, “Biola Adebayo really messed up. Ruining her goodwill for some clicks and views? She definitely thought this through and still decided to platform him.”
Also reacting, #thewriterchic said, “Biola Adebayo wants to rewrite history and whitewash a convicted child molester? People like this make us take one step forward, and three steps backward.”
On Facebook, reactions were similarly critical, with users raising concerns about the implications of giving such interviews.
In a widely shared post, Marufah Muhammed wrote, “There are some things you don’t defend. There are some acts you don’t explain away. And there are some lines you don’t cross as a human being. This is not about fame. This is about a child.”
She added, “You came out from a correctional centre and instead of choosing silence and reflection, you chose the spotlight again. Interviews, explanations, narratives. To say what exactly? To convince who? Because we saw what we saw.
“And to those giving him a platform, chasing views and engagement,at what cost? Some things should never be monetized. Some stories should be handled with sensitivity, not turned into content.”
Another Facebook user, Bisi Oderinde, criticised the trend of amplifying controversial figures, stating that such interviews risk turning serious issues into content and undermining public accountability.
On Instagram, users also expressed disappointment, with some accusing Adebayo of enabling harmful narratives.
A user, Akinbode Aminat, also known as rhiks_place, wrote that the interview was unnecessary and described it as an act that appeared to embolden the actor.
“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?
Another user, Oluwatobi Uzoma, questioned the justification for the platform, stating that the gravity of the offence made any attempt at reframing it unacceptable.
Amid the backlash and fresh analysis of the video evidence across all major social media platforms in Nigeria, some netizens had a different view about the interview as they described it as an opportunity to give the man a platform to say his side of the story, giving room for a fair hearing in the digital space.
Mojisolah Gold with the username b_ayomide1 on Instagram said, “I got goosebumps watching this, no matter how hidden, truth will always speak! More strength Mum”
Mmanua Pro with the username #Mmanua_pro on X said “Important note: “The judge said this video you people are presenting doesn’t have not have audio now”.
“Hmmmmmmm. May God almighty not let us see Alákobá that will kobalize us o” active prisca with the username #William19Prisca said, “We need to really get to the root of this matter mehn. How come he was convicted by the law, sentenced, served and was released and he’s claiming he’s innocent still? Isn’t that a crime?
“On the other hand if he wasn’t legally sentenced and iyabo ojo used her powers , that’s bad”
Tony with the username #lobistarsfans said, “It’s okay bro we all Nigerians believe you’re innocent, Just move on”
$XAGE LogoKreator with the handle #Kryptomantra tweeted “Most Nigerians are dumb and emotion-driven. Zero analytical skills. This story is deeper than what meets the eyes. Listen to yomi fabiyi’s report on the whole case, and you will understand. Women can’t handle rejection and can do anything to bring you down!!!”
On Facebook, Psalmmy Samkoy commented, “I watched the video on UT is about 2hrs plus and I was shedding tears baba ijesha God plans is different from humans plan and I know and I also believe that very very soon u will bounce back to ur stardom even more than u re expecting
Ayo Adeyemi on Facebook advised the veteran actor to move on with his life and embrace healing: “Baba Ijesha should let bygones be bygones. Recalling the past painful events won’t heal the experience.
“He should move on with life and try as much as possible to forge ahead. Forget your past relationship with those who put your in trouble and find out those who can put you on a sound footing. May God help us all. Amen.”
For Abiodun Olowe, he criticised the justice system of the country, saying that there was deficiency in the way the case was handled.
“Even if the man is lieing everyone could agreed that is was pure setup. Like seriously our justice system in Nigeria still have a long way to go. Even if the man once harassed the minor even though I can’t support that but what was her mission setting him up.
“This discussion could be a discussion they already discussed and settled within themselves but chose to punish him in another ways. Till Today Yomi still asking that some other actors or men were also caught in that act. Instead for the police and justice to also pursue that they silent on it. Justice can catch up some but free some. What level of justice is that. I think Nigeria can do better,” Olowe said.
Akinduro Akinrolabu resentment was on the refusal of the social media court to give him the same audience they gave the complainant, Princess, when the controversy was fresh in 2021.
“I have always been an advocate of audi alteram partem, the principle of giving the other party a fair hearing. During the saga involving Baba Ijesha and Princess, it appeared that the former was not given that fair hearing in the court of public opinion, especially on social media.
“The narrative was largely driven by Princess and her supporters, including Iyabo Ojo, and many, particularly women who believed and held firmly to their account.
“The matter eventually went to court, and Baba Ijesha was convicted and jailed. However, most Nigerians did not have full access to the court proceedings and therefore did not hear his defence firsthand.
“Now that he has served his sentence and regained his freedom, he has begun to share his own side of the story.”
In a recent podcast, he maintained his innocence, claiming he was set up by individuals who harboured resentment against him, something he says he was unaware of at the time.
“At this point, both sides of the story have been heard in one form or another. The court has delivered its judgment, and the sentence has been served. Ultimately, only God, the perfect Judge, knows the absolute truth and will judge without bias or sentiment,” he concluded.
It was earlier reported that a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja convicted Baba Ijesha in July 2022 for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child. He was sentenced to five years and three years’ imprisonment respectively, with the sentences to run concurrently, for offences linked to a 2021 incident that generated nationwide outrage.
Following controversies surrounding his release, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice clarified that the actor was not acquitted of the offences.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, explained that although the Court of Appeal set aside some earlier allegations, it upheld the conviction and sentence relating to the 2021 case.
As reactions continue to trail the interview, neither Adebayo nor her team has issued an official response to the criticism as of the time of filing this report.
The PUNCH