By Adesakin Adefemi
Actress and podcaster Biola Adebayo has issued a public apology for interviewing convicted sex offender Baba Ijesha on her show “Talk To B”.
The interview, which was met with widespread criticism, featured Baba Ijesha discussing his 2022 conviction for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child.
The backlash was swift, with many accusing Adebayo of giving Baba Ijesha a platform to downplay his conviction and perpetuate harm against the victim and her family.
Adebayo, however, maintained that she was simply doing her job as an interviewer and didn’t intend to exonerate or condone Baba Ijesha’s actions. “I would never enable anybody. The interview was not to exonerate Baba Ijesha or to agree with whatever he was saying,” she stated in a video apology.
Comedian Princess, whose foster daughter was the victim in the Baba Ijesha case, was among those who strongly condemned Adebayo’s decision to interview the convicted sex offender.
Princess described Adebayo’s actions as insensitive and wicked, questioning how she could prioritize giving a platform to Baba Ijesha over the well-being of the victim and her family.
Adebayo has since deleted the interview from her YouTube channel and apologized for any hurt or offense caused. The incident has sparked a heated debate about the responsibility of media personalities and content creators when discussing sensitive topics like sexual assault.
Baba Ijesha was convicted in 2022 for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child and is currently listed on Lagos State’s Sexual Offenders Register. The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of sex offenders in Nigeria and the need for greater accountability and support for victims of sexual assault.
The Nigerian entertainment industry has also been criticized for its handling of the situation, with many calling for greater accountability and sensitivity when discussing issues of sexual assault.
Adebayo’s apology has been met with mixed reactions, with some accepting her explanation and others calling for greater accountability. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the well-being and dignity of victims of sexual assault.
The fallout from the interview continues to unfold, highlighting the need for greater awareness and sensitivity when discussing issues of sexual assault and the importance of prioritizing the victim’s well-being.
