‘It ridicules the girl child’ — Iyabo Ojo hits Yomi Fabiyi over movie on Baba Ijesha saga

Iyabo Ojo, Nigerian actress, has slammed Yomi Fabiyi over the release of ‘Oko Iyabo‘, a movie on Baba Ijesha, their embattled colleague.

Baba Ijesha is being tried on a six-count charge which includes sexual assault by penetration, indecent treatment of a child, and sexual assault.

The 48-year-old was earlier granted bail with his trial scheduled to begin on July 26.

On Sunday, Fabiyi, who has been a prominent figure in the case, put out the movie wherein he detailed his own version of the “incidents that led to the arrest and trial of his embattled colleague.”

The movie has continued to spark outrage since its release, with many questioning the rationality behind such a project.

In a lengthy Instagram post, Ojo said it is unfortunate that Fabiyi would produce a movie which “ridicules the girl child” despite claiming to be a human rights activist.

The movie star also called on the leadership of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) to take the needed action against Fabiyi over the movie.

“The events of the past few weeks involving one of our colleagues before the Court has drawn lots of reactions from different quarters, however, it is necessary we exercise patience, so we don’t fall into the danger of intruding into the sacred issues already instituted,” she wrote.

“Yet, civility demand all parties, both those directly involved and other interested parties hesitate from being too emotional or bias about the plague of children molestation ravaging our society.

“Therefore, as a victim of sexual violence and stakeholder in film industry, we are oblige to jealously guard our actions and activities not to jeopardise the very cherished societal values we hold dear to our hearts.

“It is no longer news that, Yomi Fabiyi just released a movie, titled, ‘Oko iyabo’ that portrayed a young girl with the mischievous career goal to be a prostitute.

“I’m honestly waiting our elders in the industry to grant another press conference and address the sad issue on a movie that promote abuse and ridicules a girl child, been gross violation of the fundamental human right to dignity and more so, against the child rights law of Lagos state.

“This is even against the court ruling that individuals should refrain from commenting or doing anything that would undermine the powers of the court or unduly influence the proceedings in court.

“It is tragic to see a movie teaching our children that it is right to have a relationship with an adult. The President of Tampan @mrlatin1510 our elders @princejidekosoko @adebayo.salam should swing into action and caution the producer and all persons involved in this film.”

Ojo also accused Fabiyi of “taking advantage” of the Baba Ijesha saga despite claiming to be a friend of their embattled colleague.

“Ironically, Yomi calls himself a friend and junior colleague to Baba Ijesha yet at every slightest opportunity, you are using his situation to your advantage, to project your fame,” she added.

“You call yourself a human rights activist but yet you have subjected a minor and girl to more ridicule and abuse.
Take note, an army of bias adults and myopic persons can never silence my voice.

“The narration of the dastardly act cannot be misinterpreted. No adult should be allowed to intimidate or deprive that 14-year-old girl from getting justice. The well of justice grind slowly but justice shall be served.”

Tonto Dikeh: I’m ashamed of Yomi Fabiyi

Tonto Dikeh, the Nollywood actress, also condemned Fabiyi’s action, describing it as “a slap on all rape victims.”

“Yomi, I have intentionally stayed off your opinion in recent matters. But what you have just done by capitalizing on the pain and agony of a molested child and the slap in the mother’s face, I am ashamed I know you,” she wrote.

“It’s a slap on all rape victims(dead or alive). Yomi, I expected better of you. My prayers for you is that you find men and women who will fight for your children if they see injustice but God forbid they ever see it.

“I can’t tell a grown man what to do but I sincerely hope there is a part of the law that can handle this ‘bully’.

“I wouldn’t disrespect you nor will I hate you. I don’t feed you, so I add no value but I will look you in the eyes and tell you the damn truth. You’re wrong.

“What you have done is disgusting and it’s called bullying. You have displayed bitterness and anger. This has nothing to do with your support for an accused rapist. This is your heart coming out to dance.”

TheCable Lifestyle earlier reported that TAMPAN had summoned the actor after the widespread criticism.