Biola Adebayo Iyabo Ojo premiere appearance signals easing tensions after backlash over a controversial interview and social media fallout
Nigerian actress Biola Adebayo attended the premiere of Return of Arinze, a film by fellow actress Iyabo Ojo in Lagos, Nigeria, marking a notable public appearance following weeks of tension between the two industry figures.
The Biola Adebayo Iyabo Ojo premiere attendance comes in the aftermath of a controversy triggered by Biola Adebayo’s interview with convicted actor Baba Ijesha on her programme Talk to B.
The interview drew significant criticism online, with many viewers arguing that the conversation appeared to present the actor in a sympathetic light despite his prior conviction for sexual assault.
The situation escalated when Baba Ijesha made claims during the interview referencing Iyabo Ojo’s personal life, including an assertion that she had once entrusted her children to him.
Iyabo Ojo publicly rejected the statement, describing it as false and warning against further mention of her children, signalling the seriousness of the matter.
Following the backlash, reports indicated that Iyabo Ojo unfollowed Biola Adebayo on Instagram, further fuelling speculation about a rift between the two actresses.
However, Biola Adebayo later issued a public apology over the interview and removed the content from her platforms in an attempt to address the concerns raised.
Her attendance at the premiere suggests a possible easing of tensions, especially as Iyabo Ojo continued with the event without withdrawing the invitation. Observers noted that Iyabo Ojo has since followed Biola Adebayo again on social media, a development that many interpret as a subtle sign of reconciliation.
The premiere itself was a high-profile industry gathering, attracting colleagues, guests, and stakeholders from across Nollywood. Biola Adebayo’s presence at the event stood out as a significant moment, given the recent history between both actresses and the public scrutiny surrounding their interaction.
While neither party made any formal public statement at the event regarding their relationship, the appearance has been widely viewed as a positive and measured step towards restoring professional cordiality within the entertainment community.
The development highlights how personal and professional relationships within Nollywood often intersect with public perception, where actions at events can carry as much weight as official statements in shaping narratives.