The Nigerian media space has been gripped with debates and squabbles on the Baba Ijesha alleged molestation of a minor. Aside from his particular case, conversations on traditional and social media have been all around rape and paedophilia.
Baba Ijesha was arrested by the Lagos Police Command after he was seen in a CCTV footage sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl who he was also said to have abused seven years ago.
The case brought rancour, division, and open altercations among colleagues in the industry.
Actress Iyabo Ojo seems to have been the most vocal person seeking justice on behalf of the alleged victim has done more than one video to express her opinion and grief.
“Baba Ijesha is a disgrace to the whole Yoruba movie industry. He must be punished. Be it a family member, a friend or a colleague, even my father or mother if they were alive, or even my children, if they are to be caught in this shameful act I will not support them. Baba Ijesha’s mess is our mess because he has dragged us in the mud and I will not cover him up. I don’t support evil and any crime against children and women”, she said
The actress was particularly angered by the intervention of a fellow thespian, Yomi Fabiyi, who cautioned his colleagues to tread carefully in the matter given the fact that the investigation was ongoing, requesting that the CCTV footage where Baba Ijesha molested the child should be made public.
The actor said: “First and foremost, we belong to an association and they are investigating the matter in order to get the true picture of event and then act 
accordingly. We are careful as individuals not to also comment because from the police statement, a CCTV footage was mentioned, the content not yet made public or seen by the representatives of our association or any close colleague to the best of my knowledge, the suspect has not been heard from directly or his representatives etc.”
except a clear cut open evidence, confession or trial with a guilty verdict, it will be malicious and pre-mature for any or as colleagues to conclude. Being famous comes with a lot of responsibilities. Please understand and be patient.
“Finally, child abuse, rape and sexual harassment are serious cases and no artist or sane human being irrespective will condone or support such. However, the majority in society should be careful than sorry, I still have trust in the quality and honesty of our Detectives and Police Officers and will prosecute whoever is found on the other side of the law.”
After the CCTV video was released to the public, Yomi Fabiyi then releases another statement.
The statement read, “It is disturbing and unfortunate viewing the images of the released CCTV footage of a minor been sexually abused by a senior colleague, Mr Lanre Omiyinka a.k.a Baba Ijesha. There is no excuse for this act. I condemn this act, it is embarrassing and disappointing.
“I have carefully waited for reliable options before jumping to a conclusion as done in a civilised society, a stance a handful misconstrued as supporting the suspect, it is a shame a handful in Nigeria still engage in social media recklessness in the name of the social media age. NOWHERE HAVE I SUPPORTED OR CONDONE SUCH, someone just placed the idea and many without caution jumped on it. If you are not enlightened, SEEK KNOWLEDGE.
“The only person free from arrest and prosecution is the young lady. Several red lines were crossed, IGNORANCE is never an excuse. The key question every honest person should be asking is, “if the girl was your child, can you make her go through such trauma again in the name of gathering evidence? Where are the social services and domestic violence unit in Lagos State? Shelve press release and sentiments, swing into action.
“The law is sacrosanct and we all can agree a lot more needs to be done TO PROTECT CHILDREN IN NIGERIA. I am sad, we have failed many innocent children and it is time we rise to this challenge, THE WORLD IS WATCHING. Every Nigerian who honestly feel for the poor girl should take to the street in a peaceful protest, demand arrest of all connected to these ugly images, it is a cause worth risking everything for, do it for humanity and every innocent child.
“However, sentiment should never be an excuse to abuse the rights of every suspect or persons connected, that is the only way to achieve peace, fairness, justice and development. Thanks to the Lagos Police Commissioner and officers for their meticulous investigation and efforts so far. A society patient to balance a story seldom get misled or stand with lies. The media are doing a good job too. We want a safer Nigeria for every child.”
Radio personality and actress, Toke Makinwa, had strong words for those who did not outrightly condemn the act.
She said, “Stop shaming victims of abuse. Stop trying to analytically understand their statements. You heard the child was failing in school, her brothers complained of a change in her behaviour pattern; you think they made all that up? You must be sick too.
“The world is full of sick people. I once heard a grown man comment on how fresh a three-year-old’s bum was. He casually just blurted out ‘see as this baby’s bum fresh’. I cursed him out and guess what? People around thought I was exaggerating; like it’s just a compliment.”
The comedienne, Lepacious Bose, said, “I said it in my post yesterday and I repeat, if you are asking for a video of a 14-year-old being sexually molested, then you are as sick as the accused. All you want is an excuse to watch child porn and God forbid that it is this case you will use to achieve your sick desires!
“Pls just leave this woman to grieve in peace. This is not clout chasing opportunity, it is not a popularity contest. The life and future of a 14-year-old are involved, pls let’s be guided with our words.
“If you are one of the few that feel her pain, pls pray for Princess; pray for her family, pray for this dear child that has been bruised. Sometimes, that’s the only thing; and the best thing to do, pray for Princess!”
Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe, posted on Instagram that she is ‘beyond livid’. In her words, “Justice must be served! Baba Ijesha must be brought to the book!
“I just got off the phone with Princess and I am even more upset! May God punish all those supporting Ijesha! May y’all never see anything good in your miserable lives! Whether y’all like it or not, justice will prevail! God pls protect our kids, and keep exposing these criminals! Too many animals out there!”
Radio personality, Toolz, tweeted, “All the people wanting to see this video of the young girl and Baba Ijesha, you know you’re essentially asking to see child porn, right?”
Nollywood actress, Nkechi Blessing, commented on the incident via her Instagram.
She said, “Most importantly, have a heart to heart talk with your kids, listen to their every need. It’s high time parents stop leaving their kids in the hands of strangers… If CCTV too cost, use your eye as the camera that watches the child that you carried for nine months.
“Does labour pain mean anything to you at all? I fit no get sense ooo, I fit no sabi talk ooo,I fit rude and razz oo, but pls take this advice and do the needful. May such never happen to any one of you in Jesus name. The thoughts alone are traumatizing.”
Another Award-Winning actress and Instagram celebrity, Bukunmi Oluwashina explained heartfelt pain as a mother. She said: ” watching princess comedian cry in that video breaks my heart to tears too. Why do this to a little girl? Why? you people don’t even care about the pains parents go through to birth and raise these kids, Not even the psychological and medical damage you cause, when you molest them, A child you were supposed to even protect and care for because they look up to you as an adult. Please let me not be quiet on this matter. At least to encourage and give the rest of the kids who are still being molested and scared to speak, the courage to speak up too. This thing happens to both male and female kids. The males just don’t get to talk about theirs until they are all grown up as adults and healed enough to mention it among friends. Then you realize most grown men around you were once molested by some of the people they call Aunties or their house help. Se won sepe fun yin ni?? We being quiet on the molestation or rape issue is we silently killing the rest of the victims and empowering these devils. Incarnate useless adults. #justicemustbeserved”
Another celebrity, Foluke Daramola, who claimed to have been a victim of rape before and now have a foundation victim of rape and domestic violence also contributed her quoter in the case.
Foluke Daramola has been among those who agreed to Yomi Fabiyi’s first opinion of the molestation case but changed her comment after the CCTV video was released. She vouge to also get justice for the alleged victim.
She said: “I wasn’t siding with a paedophile before I only advised that we calm down and get a solid proof before nailing the accused. I will never side with anyone who is into such as I have a foundation for victims of abusers before. I know the effect this type of things has on people. Justice must surely be served”
A source who seeks anonymity said, “What People don’t understand about the situation is that Princess didn’t just know about Baba Ijesha paedophile but she decided to keep quiet on it because of her relationship with him, she planned to expose him after their relationship was destroyed”.
Baba Ijesha was born 28 October 1972. His real name is Olarenwaju James Omiyinka. He is a Nigerian, popular Nollywood Yoruba actor, movie producer, scriptwriter, comedian, dancer and singer who has made an impact in the Nigerian Yoruba movie industry.