After years of silence, embattled Nollywood actor Baba Ijesha has finally opened up about his conviction, prison experience, and the events that changed his life forever.
Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has spoken publicly for the first time since his release from prison, offering his side of the story in a case that rocked the Nigerian entertainment industry.
In a revealing interview on “Talk to B,” hosted by Abiola Adebayo, the actor made it clear: “I’m not the person many people believe me to be.”
The Beginning of the Controversy
According to Baba Ijesha, the entire saga began after he declined a personal introduction arranged by comedian Princess (Damilola Adekoya). He described this moment as the starting point of the issues that would later engulf his career and reputation.
The actor didn’t mince words, claiming the entire situation was orchestrated. “It was a setup,” he stated firmly during the interview.
In what may be one of the most shocking revelations, Baba Ijesha alleged that some individuals later visited him while he was in prison to apologize. According to him, these people confessed they had been promised money to testify against him in court.
The Iyabo Ojo Factor
One of the most emotional moments in the interview came when Baba Ijesha addressed actress Iyabo Ojo, who was vocal during the case and took a strong public stance against him.
“What hurt me about Iyabo Ojo is that she has put her children in my care when they were younger,” the actor said, pain evident in his voice. “Iyabo is my product, and I can’t ruin her.”
He also firmly denied ever making romantic advances toward the actress, clarifying that he never asked her out at any point in their relationship.
The statement has reignited conversations on social media about loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of the case that divided Nollywood.
Life Behind Bars
Baba Ijesha was convicted in 2022 over the assault of Princess’s foster daughter. He served his sentence at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre before regaining his freedom in 2025.
Speaking about his time in prison, the actor reflected on the hardships he endured and expressed gratitude to those who stood by him during his darkest moments. While he didn’t go into graphic details, it was clear that the experience left a lasting impact on him.
A Divided Industry
The Baba Ijesha case was one of the most controversial in recent Nigerian entertainment history. It split the industry down the middle, with some colleagues supporting him and others publicly condemning him.
Actresses like Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh were particularly vocal, using their platforms to demand justice for the victim. On the other hand, some industry figures maintained that everyone deserves a fair hearing.
Now that Baba Ijesha has broken his silence, the debate is likely to intensify once again.
What’s Next for Baba Ijesha?
With his sentence served and his side of the story now public, many are wondering what the future holds for the controversial actor. Will Nollywood welcome him back? Will producers give him another chance? Or has the damage to his reputation proven too deep to repair?
Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Baba Ijesha’s interview has reopened old wounds and raised new questions about the case that shocked Nigeria.
What do you think? Should Baba Ijesha be given a second chance, or has he lost the trust of the Nigerian public forever? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
For more information, check buzzUp9ja
Be the first to comment