N350,000 Aso Ebi Invitation Sparks Outrage Over Baba Ijesha's Excessive Spending

N350,000 Aso Ebi Invitation Sparks Outrage Over Baba

Ijesha's Excessive Spending

The invitation flyer for the naming ceremony of Nollywood actor James Olanrewaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has sparked mixed reactions on social media with prices ranging from ₦250,000 to ₦350,000 for guests to participate in the Aso Ebi tradition.

Baba Ijesha and his wife, celebrity stylist Abiodun Tokunbo, popularly known as Luminee, publicly confirmed their relationship in June after announcing the birth of their first child together. The invitation flyer, first shared on social media by Baba Ijesha's wife, celebrity stylist Luminee, was met with widespread criticism, with many labeling the prices as excessive amid Nigeria's economic challenges.

The Aso Ebi tradition is a popular Nigerian custom where family members, friends, or guests wear the same fabric and color to an event to show unity and support for the host, although each person can sew it into a style of their choice, allowing for different designs.

In this case, guests wishing to participate in the Aso Ebi would have to pay ₦250,000 for the men's package and ₦350,000 for the women's package.

Before the announcement, Ms Tokunbo was widely known among her followers as a single mother and celebrity fashion designer for top Yoruba actresses, including Toyin Abraham. Neither she nor Baba Ijesha has publicly clarified when their relationship began or when they got married.

The pregnancy drew considerable public attention because it came barely five months after Baba Ijesha regained his freedom from prison. Baba Ijesha became one of Nigeria's most controversial entertainers following his 2021 arrest over allegations involving a minor.

Baba Ijesha was arrested after comedian and activist Princess Adekoya, popularly known as Princess, accused him of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl who lived in her care.

Following a widely followed trial before an Ikeja Special Offences Court, Baba Ijesha was acquitted on some counts but convicted on charges including indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault under the Lagos State Child Rights Law and Criminal Law. He was subsequently sentenced to three years' imprisonment in July 2022 and completed his jail term in November 2025.

The Aso Ebi prices for the naming ceremony have also sparked a debate over the actor's ability to afford the lavish spending, especially considering his past run-in with the law and the current economic challenges facing the country.

In a bid to clarify the situation, Baba Ijesha and his wife have yet to publicly address the controversy surrounding the Aso Ebi prices, leaving many Nigerians to question the couple's priorities in these challenging times.