Nollywood actress and podcast host Biola Adebayo has issued a public apology following widespread criticism of her recent interview with convicted actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha.
The interview, aired on her podcast Talk-To-B, sparked outrage after the actor revisited his sexual assault case and claimed he had been set up.
In a video posted on her social media page, Adebayo explained that her intention was not to defend or justify the actor’s actions but to give him an opportunity to speak.
“I only did my job as an interviewer. When he reached out after his release, I asked if he wanted to apologise or clear the air so he could move on. I thought he would apologise, but he didn’t,” she said.
She emphasised that her role as a host was to ask questions, not to pass judgment.
“It is not my place to condemn him as an interviewer. The platform is for everyone — both the good and the bad. I asked what I believed were the right questions,” Adebayo added.
Addressing the backlash, the actress—who described herself as a mother, Christian, and survivor of sexual assault—stressed that she does not support abuse in any form.
“I would never enable or defend a rapist or a paedophile. I am committed to protecting children and speaking up for the girl child,” she said.
Adebayo also dismissed claims that the interview was intended to tarnish the image of fellow actress Iyabo Ojo, who had previously been linked to the case.
“I would never do anything to damage Iyabo Ojo’s reputation. That was not my intention at all,” she stated.
Appealing to the public, Adebayo expressed regret over the controversy generated by the interview.
“Please forgive me. I am not here to justify anything. I am a peaceful person, and I do not like controversies,” she said.
Baba Ijesha was convicted by a Lagos State High Court in 2022 for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a minor and served a prison sentence.
Authorities later clarified that his release did not amount to an acquittal, and his name remains on the state’s Sexual Offenders Register.
