‘Oko Iyabo is meant to correct child assault’ – Yomi Fabiyi reacts after backlash

Yomi Fabiyi, Nigerian actor, has reacted to the backlash that has trailed ‘Oko Iyabo‘, his latest movie on Baba Ijesha, his 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.

But on Sunday, Fabiyi put out the movie which portrays his version of the incidents that led to Baba Ijesha’s arrest and trial.

Shortly after ‘Oko Iyabo’ was released, it started to garner negative feedback from many users on social media who questioned the motives behind such a project.

Movie stars like Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh also condemned Fabiyi’s action, while the leadership of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) summoned the actor over the film.

Amid the widespread criticism that greeted ‘Oko Iyabo, YouTube also took down the movie from its platform.

In his reaction, however, Fabiyi took to his Instagram page to debunk claims that the movie was removed due to the backlash received.

The actor also explained that the essence of the movie is to “correct the child abuse and assault” and not the other way round.

“I have asked that they pull or private the movie for sake of peace,” he said.

“The movie is however to correct child abuse, assault, human rights abuse and other vices and to state clearly that I am not what they claim I am initially. 

“Don’t rush on any negative narrative guys. I am human but will never down past the real issues that concern children. 

“It is just an expression and I respect polite and superior arguments or opinions. Thank you lovelies.”