By Our Correspondent

National News – Nollywood actress and podcaster Biola Adebayo has publicly apologised following online backlash over her interview with convicted actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha.

In a video posted on her Instagram on Tuesday, Adebayo clarified that her role as an interviewer was purely professional and not intended to condone the actor’s criminal actions.

During the session on her show Talk To B, Adebayo asked Baba Ijesha if he wanted to apologise or “clear the air” after his prison release, but he declined.

“I thought he would apologise, but he did not. However, it is not my role to condemn him as an interviewer.

The platform is for both saints and sinners,” she stated. The actress, who identifies as a mother, a Christian, and a survivor of sexual assault, emphasised that the interview did not aim to exonerate Baba Ijesha or dismiss his conviction.

Adebayo further explained that she asked pertinent questions in her capacity as an interviewer.

“I would never enable anyone or be an accomplice to a paedophile or a rapist. I protect the girl child to the best of my ability,” she said.

She also dismissed claims that the interview was designed to tarnish fellow actress Iyabo Ojo’s image, noting that she stopped the conversation when Baba Ijesha did not make any negative remarks about Ojo.

The interview has generated significant controversy online, with critics arguing that it appeared to give Baba Ijesha a platform to defend himself.

Baba Ijesha was convicted in July 2022 by a Lagos State High Court for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child and sentenced to five and three years in prison, to run concurrently.

Following his release, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice confirmed that he was not acquitted and added him to the Sexual Offenders Register.

Adebayo concluded her statement by asking the public for forgiveness and reiterating her commitment to peaceful and responsible media practice.