“I would never enable anybody. The interview was not to exonerate Baba Ijesha or to agree with whatever he was saying,” stated Biola Adebayo during a recent interview regarding her controversial discussion with Baba Ijesha. This statement comes in the wake of significant public backlash following the airing of the interview, which has drawn widespread condemnation.
Baba Ijesha, a Nigerian actor, was convicted in July 2022 for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child. He received a sentence of five years and three years’ imprisonment, to run concurrently. His conviction has made him a controversial figure, and Adebayo’s decision to interview him has raised eyebrows and sparked outrage.
The interview was aired on Adebayo’s show, Talk To B, shortly after Baba Ijesha’s release from prison. During the discussion, Baba Ijesha claimed he was set up in the sexual assault case, a statement that further fueled the controversy surrounding the interview. Adebayo, who identifies herself as a mother, a Christian, and a survivor of sexual assault, emphasized that her intention was not to condone or exonerate Baba Ijesha.
In response to the backlash, Adebayo deleted the interview from her YouTube channel and issued a public apology. She expressed her remorse, stating, “I APOLOGISE TO EVERYONE, I AM VERY SORRY. PLEASE FORGIVE ME.” This apology was directed not only to her audience but also specifically to Iyabo Ojo, another prominent figure who has been vocal against Baba Ijesha’s actions.
Adebayo’s comments about her identity as a survivor of sexual assault added a personal dimension to her apology, as she remarked, “I am a mother. I am a Christian. I am also a rape victim that it took me a while to get over.” Her statement underscores the complexity of her position and the emotional weight of the situation.
The interview’s fallout has highlighted the sensitive nature of discussions surrounding sexual violence and the responsibility that public figures have when addressing such topics. The public’s reaction has been swift and unforgiving, with many criticizing Adebayo for giving a platform to someone convicted of such serious crimes.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Adebayo will navigate the repercussions of this incident and whether she will take further steps to address the concerns raised by her audience. Baba Ijesha’s name has since been added to the Lagos Sexual Offenders Register, marking a significant point in the ongoing discourse about sexual violence in Nigeria.