Nollywood has turned to a divided house because of the defilement allegations levelled against one of their colleagues, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha.
Lagos police arrested Baba Ijesha, the Yoruba actor on Tuesday for sexually defiling a 14-year-old minor since she was seven years.
The state police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the suspect was arrested following a complaint last week Monday at Sabo Police Station in Yaba area of the state.
The actor had confessed to the crime and was captured by a closed-circuit television in the victim’s house.
Since the news became public, several Yoruba actors have expressed divergent views on the matter.
While some actors are sympathetic to the actor’s plight, others are drumming support for the trial of the suspect.
Iyabo Ojo called out and slammed her colleagues who are drumming support for the embattled actor.
In a video she captioned, “Please let’s be mindful in my industry, this is a very sensitive issue and we should all remember that a 14 years old child is involved,” she urged Baba Ijesha’s supporters to stop defending the actor and stand by the truth.
The actress also asked her colleagues to desist from demanding to see the CCTV footage on social media as a minor was involved.
An actor, Rotimi Makinde, who lent his voice to the defilement case on his Facebook, said people should “show love” and give the actor the benefit of doubt as he has not been pronounced guilty in any law court.
“Baba Ijesha, the popular comedian deserves some benefit of the doubt until a court of competent jurisdiction proves him guilty of any offence. I understand he was alleged to have committed an illegal act…Or is it a crime to be a movie star!,” he said.
The actor said with the way the matter went viral, it seems people wanted the “movie star” “down.”
“Let’s be patient, show the accused some love even as we condemn any bad acts and to stop jumping to conclusions on his alleged assault on a minor… it’s like some of us want him down before now?”
“Crime is bad but crucification of any suspect on its own is also a crime…Of course we can pity the alleged victim.”
Biodun Okeowo vowed to lay curses on her colleague, if he is eventually found guilty of the allegations.
The 41-year-old actress demanded to be shown the CCTV footage.
She wrote on Instagram, “Please who has the footage where the disgusting, abominable and unimaginable act is being committed? Or, at least his confession. I have some unused curses if he’s found guilty!”
