Nollywood actress and podcaster Biola Adebayo has apologized following backlash over her recent interview with convicted actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha.
The interview, aired on her Talk-To-B Podcast, was released shortly after Baba Ijesha regained his freedom from prison, sparking criticism from the public and social media users who felt it was inappropriate to host him so soon.
🗣️ What Biola Said
In a video shared on her Instagram page, Adebayo clarified that her intention as a host was never to defend or support Baba Ijesha.
She explained that the actor reached out to inform her of his release, and she offered him a platform to speak. She had hoped he would use the opportunity to apologize publicly or address the situation, but he did not.
“When Baba Ijesha came back from prison, he told me he was back. I asked him, ‘Do you want to do an interview to apologize? Or to clear the air so that you can continue your life?’ He said no, he wasn’t ready. I thought he would apologize, but he did not. But it’s not my place to condemn him as an interviewer,” she said.
📌 On Protecting Children and Her Intent
Biola emphasized that her podcast is meant to host all types of stories, whether good or bad, and that she asked questions she felt were appropriate for an interviewer.
“I would never enable anybody. The interview was not to exonerate Baba Ijesha or agree with anything he said. I would never be an accomplice to a paedophile or rapist. I protect the girl child and children to the best of my ability.”
She also addressed claims that the interview was intended to tarnish the image of actress Iyabo Ojo, who was involved in the original case:
“A lot of people are insinuating that the video is to tarnish Iyabo Ojo’s image. I would never do that. I left it because he wasn’t saying anything bad about her.”
🙏 Her Apology
Adebayo concluded by asking her audience to forgive her, reiterating that she is a peaceful person who avoids controversies:
“Please forgive me. I am not here to justify anything. I don’t like controversies.”
📝 Wheytindeyblog Take
While the interview generated strong reactions, Biola Adebayo’s statement shows that her focus was on carrying out her role as a host, not defending Baba Ijesha. It also highlights the delicate balance podcasters face when hosting controversial figures.
