In recent weeks, social media has been buzzing with comments following videos and statements released by convicted comic actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, widely known as Baba Ijesha. 

In his recent outings, Omiyinka has attempted to portray himself as a victim—complaining about former colleagues in the movie industry, such as Bolaji Amusan (Mr. Latin), allegedly refusing to pick up his phone calls or associate with him following his release from prison.

At the Child Education and Advocacy Foundation Nigeria (CEAFNG), we believe it is necessary to redirect public attention away from this distraction and focus on the facts. The public must not be shifted by emotional appeals designed to rewrite history.

No responsible individual, professional body, or organization would want to associate themselves with anyone convicted of sexual offenses involving a minor. The offense for which Omiyinka ( Baba Ijesha) served time in prison—the indecent treatment and sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl—is one of the most severe violations of human rights, ethics, and child safety laws in our country and it can not be overlooked.

When an individual commits a sexual act against a child, society sets a boundary. Refusing to associate with a convicted child offender is not a matter of malice or union politics; it is a fundamental standard of public morals, child protection, and corporate responsibility that needs to be maintained. Expecting leaders or former friends to embrace him publicly as if nothing happened demonstrates a clear refusal to recognize the gravity of the crime.

A critical look at the comment of Omiyinka (Baba Ijesha) reveals a familiar strategy: emotional manipulation. Manipulation occurs when an offender attempts to shift public focus away from their own unlawful actions and onto the reaction of the public or their former peers.

Instead of showing genuine remorse, acknowledging the trauma inflicted on the victim, or maintaining a quiet profile out of respect for child protection principles, Omiyinka has chosen to play the victim card. By shifting the conversation to "who picked my call" and "who abandoned me," he attempts to gain cheap public sympathy and change the narrative from child protection to industry politics.

This is a classic tactic used to distract the public. The real issue has never been whether colleagues in Nollywood answer their phones; the real issue is the protection, dignity, and justice owed to young people.

In Nigeria today, child abuse, molestation, and violence against minors remain major social issues. Civil society organizations, advocacy groups, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary have worked tirelessly over the years to break the culture of silence and ensure that perpetrators face the law, no matter how famous or influential they are.

If society suddenly accepts, celebrates, or normalizes individuals who have committed such offenses simply because they are popular entertainers, it sends a dangerous message to our children: that fame matters more than safety. It also discourages young victims and their families from coming forward to seek justice.

CEAFNG stands firmly on the principle that the protection of the Nigerian child comes before any celebrity profile, personal friendship, or industry loyalty.

We commend members of the public, civil society organizations, and industry stakeholders who continue to stand on the side of ethics, justice, and child safety. We urge the general public to look past the media noise, reject emotional manipulation, and remember that our collective duty to protect children must always take priority.