The Nigerian actress, Biola Adebayo, has issued an apology following the public backlash that trailed her recent interview with Babatunde Omidina, the actor better known as Baba Ijesha.
The actress had interviewed Baba Ijesha and shared the video on her YouTube channel shortly after his release from prison, where he served about five years.
Baba Ijesha had been convicted on charges including indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration, and sexual assault by penetration.
During the interview, the actor denied the allegations, claiming he was framed by Princess. He also alleged that Iyabo Ojo had once left her children in his care — a claim she dismissed while threatening legal action.
Following widespread criticism, Adebayo removed the video.
In a video shared on Instagram on Tuesday, she apologised, stating that she had no intention of offending the public.
“This is an apology video to everyone that feels offended. I’m so sorry,” she said.
Adebayo explained that Baba Ijesha had initially contacted her after his release, and she had asked if he wanted to grant an interview to apologise and address the issue. According to her, he declined at the time, saying he was not ready, and she did not revisit the conversation.
She added that he later reached out again last week, expressing readiness and requesting to speak with her first.
“What happened was, when he came back from prison, he told me he was back, and I asked if he wanted to do an interview to apologise and clear the air,” she said.
“He said he wasn’t ready then. I didn’t ask again until he called me last week saying he was ready and wanted to come to me first.”
Adebayo noted that she had expected the actor to apologise during the interview, but he did not.
“I thought I was just an interviewer — to hear what he has to say. I thought he would apologise, but he did not,” she said.
She stressed that the interview was never meant to defend or absolve him of the allegations.
The actress also revealed that she is a survivor of sexual assault, emphasising that she would never support such actions.
“I would never enable anybody. The interview was not to support Baba Ijesha or agree with what he was saying,” she added.
“To everyone that feels hurt or offended, I am so sorry. Please forgive me. I am learning from this and will be more careful in the future.”