Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo shares how her past molestation experience fuelled her advocacy during the Baba Ijesha rape case involving comedienne Princess

Nollywood actress and activist Iyabo Ojo has opened up about her personal experiences of molestation, revealing how they ignited her passionate advocacy during the Baba Ijesha rape case.

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Speaking during an episode of The Goldroom podcast, Ojo reflected on the traumatic journey that fuelled her public defence of comedienne Princess and the alleged victim.

The actress was a vocal figure in the public uproar following the 2021 arrest of Nollywood actor Baba Ijesha, who was accused of molesting a minor fostered by Princess.

Ojo’s intense response at the time drew both praise and criticism, with some questioning her outspokenness.Now, for the first time in detail, Iyabo Ojo explains the deeply personal motivation behind her outrage.

“I really didn’t control my emotions then because I was outraged by what happened,” she said. “And I think it’s because I was also coming from that part, where I had gone through whatever she went through, multiple times more than hers.

I just felt like, enough is enough—we need to start speaking out for the girl and boy child.”

Her revelations during the podcast have cast new light on her long-standing commitment to child protection and justice within the entertainment industry.

The Iyabo Ojo Baba Ijesha case remarks also emphasise her deep disappointment at the backlash Princess and the alleged victim received from some quarters, including within Nollywood.

“I was taken aback when I saw adults manipulating the story and even coming for the child and Princess. That made me realise we have a long way to go in Nigeria,” she lamented.

The actress went further to criticise her fellow entertainers for, in her view, failing to uphold the moral standards expected of public figures.

“You’ll notice when I kick, I kick when my fellow entertainers do wrong, because I feel like we are supposed to do right by our people,” she stated.

“That’s why we are entertainers. We are also evangelists, because if we’re playing a bad role, something bad must happen to the person playing the bad role. We are preaching. We cannot be preaching and doing the same bad thing that we’re telling people is wrong.”

The Iyabo Ojo Baba Ijesha case was one of the most high-profile sexual assault allegations in Nigeria’s entertainment sector. The case ignited widespread debate on the rights of minors, justice for victims, and the ethical responsibilities of public figures.

At the heart of Ojo’s message is a call for greater accountability in Nollywood and society at large. She has consistently advocated for victims of sexual abuse to speak out and for institutions and communities to protect vulnerable children.

Social media reactions to Ojo’s latest comments have been largely supportive, with many praising her bravery in sharing her own experiences to help others.

The revelation also adds context to her longstanding feud with some industry colleagues who opposed her stance during the Baba Ijesha controversy.

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In a country still grappling with sexual violence, victim-blaming, and a lack of institutional protection, Iyabo Ojo’s voice remains a powerful reminder of the role celebrities can play in driving social change.