Seven months after leaving prison, actor Olanrewaju “Baba Ijesha” James is a father again — and the backlash has been fierce.
Baba Ijesha and fashion entrepreneur Abiodun Tokunbo, CEO of Luminee Couture, announced the birth of their son, King Kagar. The news shocked many Nigerians because the couple had never made their relationship public.
Now, actor and activist Yomi Fabiyi has stepped in to defend his former ally. During an Instagram Live session that went viral on Thursday, Fabiyi argued that the child's birth is a sign from God.
“If God were still angry with Baba Ijesha, the woman wouldn't have conceived at all,” Fabiyi said. “Luminee wouldn't even know the truth about his case.”
Fabiyi also suggested the baby might have been premature, noting that Baba Ijesha could have started a relationship and gotten someone pregnant immediately after release.
Baba Ijesha was convicted in 2022 for sexually assaulting a minor. He was sentenced to prison but released in November 2025 after serving part of his term. The case divided the Nigerian entertainment industry, with some actors calling for justice and others — including Fabiyi — rallying in his support.
During the trial, Fabiyi led a peaceful protest from Casino Cinema to the Lagos Police Command, demanding Baba Ijesha's release. After the conviction, Fabiyi produced the controversial movie “Oko Iyabo”, in which he played a lawyer defending a client facing a rape allegation.
But when Baba Ijesha was finally released, he accused Fabiyi of betraying him. Fabiyi responded by saying he had “laid down his life” and “carried the cross” for Baba Ijesha. It's unclear whether the two have reconciled.
During the same Instagram Live, Fabiyi took aim at the Lagos State government and fellow actors. He questioned why Damola Adekola — the second person accused in the same case — hasn't been prosecuted.
“The girl accused Damola of sleeping with her,” Fabiyi said. “When they asked Princess why she didn't take action, she said she sought the face of God.”
Fabiyi also accused the government of selective justice, pointing to cases like that of Aralola, a woman accused of abusing a boy. He claimed she was supported because she is a woman.
“Look at those useless actresses who are intent on ruining people's lives,” he said. “The government has allowed it.”
Baba Ijesha hasn't publicly responded to the criticism. Fabiyi said Baba Ijesha plans to graduate from university soon and urged those unhappy with his release to sue the government.
“God doesn't think like human beings,” Fabiyi said. “God might have decided this was Baba Ijesha's second chance.”