Nollywood actress Biola Bayo has issued a heartfelt apology to Nigerians and colleague Iyabo Ojo following the backlash from her interview with disgraced actor Baba Ijesha.
The controversial interview took place after Baba Ijesha’s release from prison, where he had served over three years for allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. In the interview, he denied being a pedophile or rapist and shared his feelings of betrayal. Many Nigerians criticized both him and Biola for airing the discussion, prompting her to remove the video from YouTube and hide it on Instagram.
In a video statement, Biola explained that she had approached the interview purely as a journalist, expecting Baba Ijesha to use the platform to apologize publicly. She clarified that it wasn’t her role to condemn him during the interview and that her platform is open to all voices.
Apologizing directly to Iyabo Ojo, Biola stressed:
“I APOLOGISE TO EVERYONE, I AM VERY SORRY. PLEASE FORGIVE ME. I will never support a rapist nor a pedophile, NEVER!”
She also thanked fans for their support and constructive feedback.
For context, Baba Ijesha was convicted in 2022 for the sexual assault of comedienne Princess’s 14-year-old daughter. The case had caused significant debate within Nollywood, with Iyabo Ojo supporting the victim and Yomi Fabiyi backing Baba Ijesha at the time of his release.
Biola’s apology marks her firm stance against sexual abuse, emphasizing that her journalistic intentions were misunderstood but that she does not condone criminal actions.
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