Actress Biola Adebayo apologises as backlash trails Baba Ijesha interview

By Folashade Olorunfemi –

Popular Nollywood actress and podcaster, Biola Adebayo, has issued a public apology following backlash over her interview with industry colleague, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha.

The criticism stemmed from Baba Ijesha’s appearance on Biola’s podcast, Talk to Biola, where he claimed he was not guilty of the offence for which he was convicted, despite having completed his jail term for molesting a minor.

Baba Ijesha was convicted in 2022 after an industry colleague, Damilola Adekoya, popularly known as Princess, accused him of molesting one of her adopted daughters, presenting video evidence to support the claim. In a separate viral video, Baba Ijesha admitted to the offence and pleaded for Princess’ forgiveness. He was subsequently sentenced and served a three-year term in a correctional facility.

Following his release, Baba Ijesha has appeared on several podcasts, maintaining that he was set up. His claims sparked outrage among Nigerians, who also criticised Biola Adebayo for hosting him, questioning her integrity despite her reputation as a philanthropist.

In response, Biola took to her Instagram page on Tuesday to apologise to the public and to fellow actress Iyabo Ojo, who was offended after being mentioned by Baba Ijesha over her activism during the controversy.

Biola, who reportedly deleted clips of the interview from her page, wrote: “I apologise to everyone. I am very sorry. Please forgive me. I will never support a rapist nor a paedophile, never. Iyabo Ojo, I am so sorry about everything.”

She also thanked her fans for their unwavering support and acknowledged critics for holding her accountable.