Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, widely known as Baba Ijesha, has denied allegations of paedophilia and rape, claiming he was lured with food and money in the events that led to his imprisonment.
In a Monday interview with veteran broadcaster Yinka Ayefele on Fresh FM, Baba Ijesha said his side of the story will be revealed in an upcoming movie.
“I am not a paedophile, I am not a rapist. Destiny punished me. I did not even understand the meaning of those words until this controversy arose. They said I used a car key to harm the minor, but my side will be told in a movie,” he stated.
Recounting the incident, he said he was invited under the pretext of a film role. “The incident happened on April 21, 2021. Princess…called me and said she was preparing my favourite food—pounded yam, crayfish, egusi soup with bush meat,” he explained, referring to actress Damilola Adekoya.
He added, “She mentioned an acting job earlier, but I didn’t know it involved Kirikiri and Panti prisons.”
Baba Ijesha alleged that upon arrival, he began rehearsing with a young girl, believing those around him were part of a film crew, unaware it was a setup.
“I had no idea they had already conspired against me. One of them even threatened I wouldn’t come out alive,” he said, describing how events led to his arrest.
When asked if being lured with food suggested gluttony, he replied, “Gluttony played a part, as did the promised money. I don’t like to disrespect ladies, so I accepted the role. That’s how it happened, and God is my witness.”
Baba Ijesha was found guilty by the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, in July 2022 for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child. He was sentenced to five years and three years in prison, to run concurrently.
Last month, he released a 10-minute track titled Eniware Daran to share his version of events.
