Convicted Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, is back in the spotlight. It’s not for a movie role, but for a bold assertion of innocence. In his newly released song, “Eniwaye Daran”, uploaded on YouTube, the actor alleges that the sexual assault case that led to his imprisonment was a trap orchestrated by a former colleague.
With graphic details of betrayal, conspiracy, and threats, Baba Ijesha’s revelations have reignited controversy, sending social media into a frenzy and forcing fans to revisit a case that dominated headlines in 2021.
The Alleged Setup
In the song, Baba Ijesha publicly described the events of April 21, 2021, as a moment that changed his life and career, but not in the way authorities initially portrayed. He repeatedly said that the incident which led to his arrest was a set‑up orchestrated by someone he once trusted.
Baba Ijesha narrates that the comedian, Oluwadamilola Adekoya, referred to as ‘Princess She-Devil’, invited him to her home under the pretext of offering a movie role and a meal.
“The incident happened on April 21, 2021. Princess She Devil called me that she was preparing my favourite food, Pounded yam, crayfish, Egusi soup with bush meat,” he said.
“She had earlier told me about an acting job before that day, but said she didn’t want me to play my usual role in the movie. She said she wanted me to act as a young guy because she wanted to take me to another level, but I never knew it was Kirikiri and Panti prison,” he added.
Baba Ijesha claimed that upon arrival, he met several people introduced as members of the film production team. He began rehearsing a scene with a young girl, unaware that the whole setup was fabricated.
“When I got to her house, I met some people there. She said the food was still cooking. While waiting, I started rehearsing according to what the alleged director told me, not knowing it was a lie, there was no movie anywhere; it was all set up,” he explained.
Betrayal and Threats
The situation allegedly escalated when a group of people stormed the room, accusing him of misconduct.
“I never knew they had already ganged up against me. Many more joined her in the process just to keep me in prison. One of them even said she would make sure I don’t come out alive, and they thought that was the end of my life, but God brought me out again in good health,” he said.
Baba Ijesha also expressed bitterness over betrayal by colleagues in the entertainment industry:
“A lot of elders and my colleagues in the movie industry betrayed me. They conspired. All this was done because of my glory,” he alleged.
Reflecting on the personal toll of imprisonment, he said:
“I ended up in Kirikiri prison because of a woman. Help me thank God, I am free from them. I saw misery in the hands of the person who accused me,” he said.
“Please my fans be careful with friends. They cannot be trusted. Flee from them because the world is evil, and human beings are more wicked than venomous snakes,” he warned.
The Case That Shocked the Nation
In April 2021, the Nigerian entertainment industry was rocked by one of its most explosive controversies in years when popular Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, better known as Baba Ijesha, was arrested on allegations of sexually assaulting a 14‑year‑old girl in Lagos.
The Lagos State Police Command said the case began when comedienne Damilola Adekoya, widely known as Princess, reported to the Sabo Police Station that her foster daughter had been sexually abused. The suspect was taken to the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti for further investigation.
Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed that preliminary findings showed the alleged victim had been abused since she was seven years old and that a CCTV recording from Princess’s homeappeared to show the actor in compromising situations with the minor.
The allegation triggered widespread outrage online, with several Nollywood celebrities, including Iyabo Ojo, publicly advocating for justice.
In July 2022, a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja convicted Baba Ijesha for sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child, sentencing him to five years and three years imprisonment, respectively, to run concurrently.
Clarifying the Release
Following his release, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice clarified that Baba Ijesha was not exonerated. Lawal Pedro, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, explained that while the appellate court set aside some older convictions, it upheld the 2021 conviction. His release was solely due to completing his prison term.
“Mr. Olanrewaju James was not cleared of the offences of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child,” Pedro said, warning that spreading claims of exoneration could mislead the public.
Princess also called on authorities to include the actor’s name in the state’s sex offender register, emphasizing accountability for cases involving minors.
New Song, Renewed Debate
Despite court rulings and official clarifications, Baba Ijesha insists in his new song that he was innocent, alleging a conspiracy against him. The release has sparked renewed online debate, with netizens revisiting one of Nigeria’s most talked-about entertainment scandals.
