The relationship between Olanrewaju Omiyinka, widely known as Baba Ijesha, and Iyabo Ojo has taken a deeply personal turn.
Once built on trust and familiarity, the connection between the two Nollywood figures now appears strained, with the actor openly expressing hurt over how things have unfolded.
A Memory That Still Stings
Speaking during a recent interview, Baba Ijesha shared a moment from years ago that he says still lingers in his mind.
According to him, Iyabo Ojo once trusted him enough to leave her children — Festus and Priscilla — in his care while she stepped out briefly at her shop in Ilupeju, Lagos.
He described the encounter as warm and friendly at the time, recalling how she felt comfortable enough to entrust him with such responsibility.
For him, that memory represents a level of trust that makes their current situation even more painful.
Feeling Betrayed After Public Fallout
The actor didn’t hide his disappointment over Iyabo Ojo’s stance during his legal troubles.
During the 2021 controversy involving allegations of sexual assault, Iyabo Ojo was among the prominent voices calling for justice, supporting comedian Damilola Adekoya.
Baba Ijesha, however, insists he never harbored ill feelings toward her.
He said he would have preferred a private confrontation if there had been any misunderstanding between them, rather than what he perceives as a public fallout.
The Skit Controversy Resurfaces
Part of the tension may trace back to an old comedy skit.
Baba Ijesha acknowledged that he once mentioned Iyabo Ojo’s name in a joking context, alongside Bobrisky and Lizzy Anjorin, suggesting ritual involvement in a humorous tone.
While he claims it was purely entertainment, he was told that Iyabo Ojo may have taken the comment seriously.
Interestingly, he noted that Bobrisky reportedly dismissed the joke entirely, highlighting how differently people interpret humor.
Life Behind Bars and Public Perception
Baba Ijesha also opened up about his time in prison, describing it as a completely different world.
He pushed back against claims that certain high-profile inmates received preferential treatment, insisting that everyone — including Bobrisky — served their time within the system.
His legal troubles stem from a high-profile case that led to his conviction in 2022 by a Lagos High Court for offences related to the 2021 incident.
While some earlier allegations were dismissed on appeal, the court upheld the conviction tied to the more recent case.
A Broader Issue in Nollywood
Beyond his personal story, Baba Ijesha pointed to what he described as “unnecessary beef” within the Nigerian film industry.
Nollywood, while vibrant and influential, has often been marked by public disagreements, social media disputes, and shifting alliances among its stars.
Industry watchers note that such conflicts are not new, often fueled by personal misunderstandings, public perception, and the pressure of maintaining reputations in a highly visible space.
Impact and Consequences
This situation highlights how quickly relationships in the public eye can change, especially when serious legal and moral issues are involved.
For Baba Ijesha, the emotional toll is clear, as he reflects on past trust now overshadowed by controversy.
For Iyabo Ojo, her stance reinforced her image as an advocate for justice, particularly in cases involving minors — a position that earned her both praise and criticism.
More broadly, the episode underscores how public opinion, legal battles, and personal history can collide, shaping careers and reputations in lasting ways.
What’s Next?
It remains uncertain whether there will ever be reconciliation between the two.
Baba Ijesha’s comments suggest a desire for dialogue, but the gravity of the past events makes any resolution complex.
Meanwhile, Nollywood continues to evolve, with increased scrutiny on issues of accountability, ethics, and professional conduct.
Public figures are likely to remain under intense observation, especially in sensitive cases like this.
Summary
Baba Ijesha has revisited his past relationship with Iyabo Ojo, expressing disappointment over how things have changed.
Recalling a time when she trusted him with her children, he contrasted that with her public stance during his legal troubles.
The situation reflects not only a personal fallout but also the broader dynamics of trust, accountability, and public perception in Nollywood.
Bulleted Takeaways
- Baba Ijesha claims Iyabo Ojo once trusted him to care for her children in Lagos
- He expresses hurt over her public stance during his 2021 legal controversy
- A past comedy skit mentioning Iyabo Ojo may have contributed to tension
- He describes prison life as harsh and dismisses claims of preferential treatment
- Iyabo Ojo’s advocacy strengthened her public image as a voice for justice
- The situation reflects wider issues of conflict and accountability in Nollywood
- Reconciliation between the two remains uncertain amid lingering tensions
