Nigerian journalist Arabinrin Aderonke has called on Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, to refrain from seeking attention and provoking others following his release from prison. Baba Ijesha was convicted of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child in 2021 and served his sentence. Aderonke, an award-winning investigative journalist and gender advocate, expressed concern over Baba Ijesha's recent public appearances and statements.
According to Aderonke, Baba Ijesha's actions are not only attention-seeking but also undermine the seriousness of his conviction. She emphasized that a child was at the center of the case and that sexual abuse of a child should not be treated as entertainment or used for publicity. Aderonke urged Baba Ijesha to demonstrate accountability, humility, and genuine reflection in rebuilding his life.
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice had clarified that Baba Ijesha's release was not an exoneration, but rather a result of serving his sentence. Aderonke stressed that marriage to a convicted person does not erase the conviction and that being accepted by someone does not make the past disappear. She expressed concern over how some people have normalized Baba Ijesha's history.
Aderonke also criticized media colleagues for providing Baba Ijesha with repeated publicity without appropriate context. She emphasized that every platform provided to him sends a message about what society chooses to amplify. Aderonke urged media professionals to differentiate between journalism and providing publicity to someone convicted of sexual offenses against a child.
The Court of Appeal had affirmed Baba Ijesha's convictions and sentences for the offenses committed in 2021. Aderonke called on him to seek professional counseling, reflect on his actions, and work on himself. She emphasized that rebuilding his life should come with accountability, humility, and genuine reflection.
Aderonke's article was published in The Guardian on October 2, 2026. She wrote that Baba Ijesha's actions are troubling and that some people appear to have normalized his history. Aderonke urged Baba Ijesha to step away from the noise and focus on rebuilding his life responsibly.
The article highlights the need for accountability and responsible reporting in cases of sexual offenses against children. Aderonke's call for Baba Ijesha to refrain from public provocation and seek counseling has sparked a conversation about the importance of humility and reflection in rebuilding one's life after serving a sentence.
Key points
- - Baba Ijesha was convicted of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child in 2021 and served his sentence. - Nigerian journalist Arabinrin Aderonke urges him to stop seeking attention and provoking others. - Aderonke emphasizes the need for accountability, humility, and genuine reflection in rebuilding his life.
