Nollywood actress and comedian Princess has lashed out at fellow actress and podcaster Biola Adebayo over her controversial interview with convicted actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, describing the move as insensitive and harmful to a child sexual assault victim’s family.
Princess, whose foster daughter was the victim in the case involving Baba Ijesha, criticised Adebayo in a video posted on Instagram, questioning her decision to give a platform to a convicted offender to make claims about the victim’s family.
She accused Adebayo of prioritising views and online engagement over empathy, alleging that the interview had triggered fresh trauma and led to sustained online harassment against her and her family.
The backlash follows an episode of Adebayo’s podcast, Talk To B, where Baba Ijesha claimed he was set up in the case that led to his conviction and imprisonment.
Responding to the criticism, Adebayo said the interview was part of her duty as a journalist and was not intended to exonerate the actor or undermine his conviction. She also apologised, stating that she expected the actor to show remorse during the interview.
Adebayo, who identified herself as a sexual assault survivor and advocate for children, maintained that she would never support abuse, adding that her platform accommodates diverse perspectives.
Baba Ijesha was convicted by a Lagos State High Court in 2022 for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a minor and was sentenced to prison.
Authorities have since clarified that his release does not amount to an acquittal, and he remains listed on the state’s Sexual Offenders Register.
The interview has continued to generate widespread outrage, with many critics accusing Adebayo of amplifying harmful narratives and reopening wounds for the victim’s family.
