Nollywood actress Biola Adebayo on Tuesday, March 24, deleted her controversial interview with Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, from her YouTube channel following public backlash.
This was Baba Ijesha’s first interview after his release from prison, where he served time for sexual offences involving a minor.
During the interview, he denied the charges that led to his conviction, claiming he was set up by comedienne Damilola Adekoya, also known as Princess.
He also referenced past ties to Iyabo Ojo, claiming he had once babysat her children; however, Iyabo dismissed the claim with a threat of legal action.
Baba Ijesha was arraigned before a Lagos state high court in June 2021 on multiple charges, including indecent treatment and sexual assault of a child.
He was convicted in July 2022 and sentenced to five years for sexual assault and an additional three years for indecent treatment, with the sentences running concurrently.
Baba Ijesha was released in November 2025 and has since maintained his innocence, defending himself in a song titled Eniwaye Daran.
Outraged social media users accused Biola of giving a platform to a convicted sex offender.
In response, she posted a video on her instagram page on Tuesday explaining that she intended to provide a space for the actor to offer a public apology or clear the air, but he declined to do so.
“What happened was that when Baba Ijesha just came back from prison, he told me he was back, and I asked him if he wanted to do an interview to apologise or to clear the air so that he could continue with his life, and he said he wasn’t ready.
“I thought he would apologise, but he did not.
“It is not in my place to condemn him as an interviewer.
“The platform is for the good and the bad. It’s for both saints and sinners,” she said.
Biola stated that as a survivor of sexual assault herself, she never intended the interview to exonerate Baba Ijesha or downplay his crimes.
“I would never enable or condone pedophilia or rape.
“I protect the girl child. I protect children to the best of my ability,” she said.
Biola further explained that the interview was not aimed at tarnishing Iyabo’s image.
“A lot of people are insinuating that the video is to tarnish Iyabo Ojo’s image.
“I would never do that. I left it because he wasn’t saying anything bad about her.
“Please forgive me, I am not here to justify anything, I am a very peaceful person, and I don’t like controversies,” she added.
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