Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has once again stirred controversy across Nigeria after releasing a new song where he claims the sexual assault case that led to his imprisonment was a setup.
The actor, who recently completed his jail term, released the song titled “Eniwaye Daran”, a Yoruba phrase that roughly translates to “Whoever comes into the world will face hardship.” In the song, Baba Ijesha narrates his version of the events that led to his arrest in 2021, insisting that he was lured into a trap by someone he trusted in the entertainment industry.
The case that sent the actor to prison was one of the most shocking scandals in Nollywood history. In 2021, he was accused by comedienne Damilola Adekoya, popularly known as Princess, of sexually assaulting her 14-year-old foster daughter. The incident sparked nationwide outrage, with many Nigerians demanding justice and stricter protection for children.
Following the trial, a Lagos High Court found the actor guilty of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a minor. He was sentenced in 2022 to prison, with some of the terms running concurrently. After serving his sentence, he was released in 2025.
However, in his newly released song, Baba Ijesha claims the incident was orchestrated against him. According to the lyrics, he said he received a call inviting him to a colleague’s residence under the promise of a movie role and a meal. He alleged that while rehearsing for what he believed was a film script, the situation was used to set him up, eventually leading to his arrest and imprisonment.
The release of the song has quickly reignited public debate across social media. While some people believe the actor is simply trying to tell his side of the story after leaving prison, others have criticized the move, arguing that the case was already decided in court and that revisiting it in music could be insensitive to the victim.
As reactions continue to pour in, the song has once again pushed the controversial case back into public conversation, reminding Nigerians of one of the most talked-about scandals in Nollywood in recent years.
Whether the song will change public perception or simply deepen the controversy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain; Baba Ijesha has once again placed himself at the center of national discussion.
