By Our Correspondent

National News – Nigerian actress and podcaster Biola Adebayo is facing widespread backlash after featuring convicted actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, on her podcast.

The controversial interview, released in March 2026 on her Talk-To-B show, sparked outrage across social media after the actor revisited the sexual assault case that led to his conviction in 2022.

The interview, which quickly went viral, showed Baba Ijesha maintaining that the incident involving a minor in 2021 was a “setup.”

During the conversation, he suggested that parts of the situation were connected to preparations for a movie scene.

The remarks immediately drew strong criticism from many Nigerians who accused the host of providing a platform for the actor to challenge the circumstances of his conviction.

The controversy intensified when Baba Ijesha referenced his past relationship with Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo.

He claimed that the actress once trusted him to look after her children, Festus and Priscilla, during their childhood.

Iyabo Ojo quickly rejected the claim and warned the actor to stop mentioning her children publicly, threatening legal action if he continued.

On social media platform X and other online forums, numerous users condemned the interview, arguing that individuals convicted of sexual offences should not be given media platforms to revisit their cases.

Critics also accused Adebayo of damaging her public reputation for views and online engagement.

However, some commentators defended the interview, saying Baba Ijesha deserved an opportunity to share his perspective after serving his sentence.

They argued that public discussions should allow both sides of a controversial case to be heard.

The case originally drew nationwide attention when Baba Ijesha was arrested in 2021 after allegations involving a minor surfaced in Lagos.

In July 2022, a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja convicted him for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child, sentencing him to prison terms that ran concurrently.

Following his release, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice clarified that the actor was not acquitted.

According to Attorney-General Lawal Pedro, the Court of Appeal upheld the conviction related to the 2021 incident despite setting aside some earlier allegations.

As of the time of reporting, Biola Adebayo and her podcast team have not issued an official statement addressing the growing criticism.