Entertainment
Sexual assault: Iyabo Ojo, Yomi Fabiyi reacts to Baba Ijesha’s 16-year jail term
Eunice Oluwafunmilayo
Nollywood stars, Iyabo Ojo and Yomi Fabiyi has reacted as court convicted their colleague Baba Ijesha for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old minor and sentenced to 16-year imprisonment.
The verdict was laid down on the convicted actor in a two-hour judgment presided by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of Ikeja Special Offences Court on Thursday.
The troubled actor was detained by the police months ago after it was claimed that he had molested a young girl who is the foster daughter of well-known Nigerian comedian, Princess.
Iyabo Ojo backed Princess in her call for justice soon after the scandalous actor’s crime was made public.
Iyabo Ojo, in response to the verdict, asserted that it represents a win for mistreated children.
READ ALSO: Comedienne Princess Celebrates Baba Ijesha 16-year jail term
She wrote: “We give God all the glory…. This victory is for all the girl child & boy child being abused….. Never be AFRAID to Speak up & Speak out.”(sic)
In the comments section of a post written by Princess, the victim’s foster mother, the prolific actress expressed her opinions.
Princess was caught on a street with a praise music playing in the background as she posted to her Instagram account while wearing a white, flowing religious garment. The comedian wrote as his caption: “God is not man.”
Meanwhile, shortly after the court judgement, Yomi Fabiyi, noted that Baba Ijesha is entitled to an appeal.
Yomi said; “My name is Yomi Fabiyi and like I always tell people, a fair trial, fair hearing is part of human rights and in this case, we can understand that the Lagos state government allowed that the victim, the defendant and the public have their rights protected, the defendant argues that he is not guilty and we need to understand the fact that if he is not guilty then he has the right of appealing, it is still within his statutory right, so the fact that on some charges he was guilty and some he is not guilty, that is what we are calling a proper democratic society.
“So, we should allow the defendant to exercise his fundamental human rights which are going to appeal if necessary to challenge the ruling of this court. There is no point in denying a colleague, others can choose to deny him but I will not and what I am fighting for is the rights of everybody involved, the victim, the defendant and the public.”
Six witnesses for the prosecution testified against the actor during the trial of Baba Ijesha, and of the six charges brought against him, he was found guilty on four of them.
Entertainment
Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Others Dazzle Fans At Flytime Music Festival 2024
Lagos witnessed an electrifying night of Afrobeats excellence on December 23, 2024, as the Flytime Music Festival took center stage.
Headlined by Nigerian music powerhouse Olamide, the event brought together an impressive lineup of stars to deliver unforgettable performances.
Olamide, affectionately called “Baddest” by fans, captivated the audience with back-to-back hits from his extensive catalog, including fan favorites like Melo Melo and Duro Soke.
The night turned emotional when Zlatan Ibile joined Olamide on stage and knelt in homage, a moment that resonated deeply with the crowd.
READ MORE: Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Former Ooni’s Wife, Others Remanded Over Stampede
The festival also showcased the generational impact of Olamide’s artistry.
Rising stars like Lil Kesh, Young Jonn, and Pheelz, who credit Olamide as a mentor, joined him on stage for a nostalgic display of talent.
Bella Shmurda, Fireboy DML, and Wande Coal also made show-stopping appearances.
A highlight of the night was the powerful duet between Olamide and Wande Coal on their hit song Kpe Paso.
Afrobeats royalty turned out in full force to support Olamide. Icons like Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Peruzzi, and Iyanya performed alongside emerging stars such as Magixx, Omah Lay, Orezi, Khaid, and Lojay, making the event a celebration of the genre’s past, present, and future.
CKay added extra flair by joining Olamide for a vibrant performance of their collaboration, Wahala, while Tiwa Savage brought her signature energy to the stage, keeping fans on their feet.
Backstage, entertainers Tunde Perry and Farulee added a dose of humor, further elevating the night’s excitement. Flytime Music Festival 2024 was more than a concert; it was a testament to the unifying power of music and a celebration of the global dominance of Afrobeats.
Entertainment
Davido Spotted With Burna Boy’s Mother At Tony Elumelu’s All White Party
Nigerian music sensation Davido was recently seen engaging warmly with Bose Ogulu, the mother and manager of Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, at Tony Elumelu’s exclusive all-white party in Lagos.
The event, hosted by the prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, gathered a star-studded assembly of celebrities, business leaders, and influencers.
The interaction between Davido and Ogulu drew significant attention, especially considering the previously reported tensions between Davido and Burna Boy.
Their cordial exchange at the event has sparked discussions among fans and observers, suggesting a possible easing of past disagreements.
READ MORE: Davido Announces 2025 Album 5IVE, Drops Single ‘Funds’
The all-white party, known for its elegance and high-profile guest list, featured performances from top Nigerian artists, including Davido and Burna Boy. Their individual performances were among the highlights of the evening, showcasing the unity and vibrancy of the Nigerian music industry.
Tony Elumelu’s gatherings are renowned for bringing together diverse talents and fostering a spirit of collaboration. The presence of both Davido and Burna Boy’s mother at the same event underscores the influential role such occasions play in bridging gaps within the entertainment community.
As videos and images from the event circulate on social media, fans express optimism about the potential reconciliation between the two music giants. Many hope that this encounter signifies a new chapter of collaboration and mutual respect in the Nigerian music scene.
Watch Video here
Entertainment
Tragic Funfair Crush In Ibadan Claims Children’s Lives
Several children lost their lives, and many others were injured in a tragic incident at a funfair in Ibadan, a city in south-west Nigeria.
The event, which was advertised as free entry, attracted a massive crowd, resulting in a crush as attendees struggled to gain access.
Eyewitnesses reported that over 5,000 children gathered at the venue, located at the Islamic High School Basorun. The tragedy unfolded when the main organisers arrived to begin the event. While the exact sequence of events leading to the crush remains unclear, the situation escalated into chaos, leaving scores injured.
READ MORE: Osun’s Mining Reforms Focused On Fairness, Equity – Governor
The Oyo state government confirmed the incident, stating that victims had been rushed to various hospitals across Ibadan for treatment. In a statement, they acknowledged “multiple loss of lives and injuries.” Authorities have urged concerned parents to check local hospitals for their children’s whereabouts.
The devastating event has left the community in shock, with residents mourning the lives lost in what should have been a joyous occasion. Investigations are expected to shed light on how the situation spiraled out of control.