By Adesakin Adefemi
Emmanuel Odiniya, father of Big Brother Naija All-Stars winner Ilebaye Odiniya, has spoken out following a viral altercation with his daughter that led to her hospitalization in Abuja.
The incident has drawn public attention after a disturbing video showed Ilebaye crying and pleading for help with visible swelling on her face.
The footage, which circulated widely on social media on Saturday, captured the reality star in distress as she demanded to leave her home.
A man was seen striking her from behind while another person stood by without intervening. Ilebaye was later rescued and taken to the NNPC hospital for treatment.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command said Mr. Odiniya had been arrested for alleged assault, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The case has sparked debate online about family disputes and celebrity pressure.
In a voice note shared by journalist Jeremiah Ocheme, Mr. Odiniya claimed he was provoked during a family confrontation. He insisted the clash did not stem from hatred but from frustration over what he described as his daughter’s change in attitude after winning the reality show.
Odiniya said he had supported Ilebaye throughout her time on BBNaija, using his influence and connections to rally votes and secure her victory. He expressed disappointment that her behavior toward him changed after she emerged as winner.
According to him, Ilebaye became disrespectful, stopped attending scheduled meetings, and began physically attacking him. He alleged she had hit him twice before, including an incident where she struck him with an AC hanger until he bled.
The father also criticized his daughter’s decision to undergo cosmetic procedures, saying she was too young for face reconstruction and a Brazilian Butt Lift. He claimed she had also been physically aggressive toward him during their recent clash, hitting him with a sea hanger and breaking an electric lantern on his head.
Odiniya further alleged that Ilebaye refused to assist him financially despite spending money lavishly at a colleague’s wedding. He said he was ill and needed treatment in Dubai but could not get her support.
The incident remains under investigation as the police continue to gather statements. The public fallout has raised questions about the pressures faced by reality TV winners and the strain it can place on family relationships.
