Father of BBNaija star Ilebaye breaks silence on family dispute

Emmanuel Odiniya, father of former Big Brother Naija All Stars winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, has spoken publicly about the viral altercation involving his daughter, insisting the incident was not driven by hatred but by unresolved family tension.

In an audio statement shared online over the weekend by Kogi-based journalist Jeremiah Ocheme, Odiniya said he still loves his daughter despite the controversy surrounding the incident.

“I want to put the records straight that what led to that incident was not that I don’t love my daughter. She is one of my best children,” he said.

Odiniya explained that he played an active role during Ilebaye’s participation in the reality television show and mobilised support to help her emerge victorious.

According to him, their relationship allegedly changed after her rise to fame, claiming she became inaccessible despite repeated attempts to see her. He also alleged that she declined his request for financial assistance for medical treatment abroad.

Odiniya further criticised some of her alleged lifestyle choices and accused her of physically attacking him on different occasions, including during the recent altercation.

“In this recent incident, she insulted me, hit me first with a sea hanger, causing bleeding, pushed me, and then broke an electric lantern on my head,” he alleged.

Despite the allegations, Odiniya said he was interested in reconciliation and peace within the family, adding that police had already intervened in the matter after both parties reportedly sustained injuries during the incident.