Father of BBNaija Winner Ilebaye Speaks on Viral Family Dispute, Allegations of Assault
Emmanuel Odiniya, father of former Big Brother Naija winner Ilebaye Odiniya, has publicly addressed the viral controversy surrounding his daughter, insisting that the incident was driven by long-standing family tensions rather than animosity.
In an audio recording shared over the weekend by Kogi-based journalist Jeremiah Ocheme, Odiniya said the disagreement escalated after what he described as a change in his daughter’s attitude following her victory in the 2023 edition of the reality show.
He stressed that he continues to love his daughter and sought to clarify what he described as misconceptions about the situation.
“I want to put the records straight that what led to that incident was not that I don’t love my daughter. She is one of my best children,” he said.
Claims of Support During BBNaija Journey
Odiniya claimed he played an active role in his daughter’s rise to fame, including mobilising support during her participation in the show.
“During her time in the Big Brother Naija house, I contributed a lot. I stood by my daughter and made sure people voted for her massively. I used my influence and connections, including governors and other people, to support her until she won,” he stated.
Allegations of Strained Relationship After Fame
He alleged that their relationship changed after her emergence as winner, claiming she became distant and less responsive to him.
“After she came out and won, she changed. Ilebaye stopped listening to me. I would book her appointments five to six times in a week and she wouldn’t give me audience. She stopped regarding me as her father,” he alleged.
Odiniya also claimed he was once unable to access financial assistance from her despite health challenges, saying he later observed her spending publicly at an event.
Allegations of Assault and Family Issues
He further alleged instances of physical confrontation and injury during disputes at home.
“She has hit me twice, and I didn’t do anything to her. One day she took an AC hanger and hit me with it till blood started gushing out of my body,” he claimed.
Speaking on the most recent incident, he alleged that the confrontation escalated into violence involving household objects, leaving him injured.
Odiniya also raised concerns about alleged family issues, including claims that his younger son was affected by drug use and expelled from school, as well as a past disagreement over marital matters.
Call for Reconciliation
Despite the allegations, Odiniya said he still hopes for reconciliation and healing within the family.
“I still love my daughter deeply. I want her to change and do better. I ask for prayers from Nigerians. The police have already intervened and settled the matter,” he added.
The matter became public after Ilebaye reportedly appeared in a live video crying for help from their residence in Abuja, sparking widespread reactions on social media.
Authorities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) later confirmed that members of the family sustained injuries during the incident and received medical attention while investigations and mediation were carried out.
