Nigerian actor Yomi Fabiyi has publicly expressed feelings of betrayal by fellow actor Baba Ijesha, alleging that his loyalty and efforts during Baba Ijesha’s legal ordeal were met with ingratitude.
In a video that has since gone viral, Fabiyi recounted how he risked his career and reputation to defend Baba Ijesha during his trial. “Baba Ijesha thinks he has arrived. I sacrificed my life. I put everything on the line for him. The little fame and influence I had, I used it to ensure he didn’t get life imprisonment,” Fabiyi said.
He also claimed to have worked extensively on Baba Ijesha’s appeal but alleged that he was later threatened by someone sent by the actor to silence him. According to Fabiyi, Baba Ijesha recorded a song that mocked him and deliberately excluded his name when acknowledging supporters after his release. “He thought he could disgrace me,” Fabiyi added.
Fabiyi expressed regret that his association with Baba Ijesha has negatively impacted his reputation. “People now tag me as someone supporting a paedophile because of him. I was once at the American embassy when a woman publicly confronted me over the issue,” he recounted.
For context, Baba Ijesha was arraigned on June 24, 2021, on six charges, including indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, and attempted sexual assault by penetration. On July 14, 2022, a Lagos High Court sentenced him to 16 years in prison, serving approximately five years due to concurrent sentencing. He was released in November 2025 after completing his sentence.
Fabiyi’s statements have reignited discussion about loyalty, accountability, and the impact of legal controversies on public figures in Nollywood.
