We Are Disappointed With Baba Ijesha – Theatre Practitioners

The Director of Research and Documentation of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Mr. Yemi Amodu, has described the alleged sexual abuse of a teenager by actor, Olarenwaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, as disappointing.

In a statement made available to newsmen, and signed by Amodu, the association said it would never support any hideous act but would support the Lagos State Government in ensuring that justice is served.

The statement read in part, “We find it obligatory to condemn in totality the odious occurrence of paedophilia confessed to by Mr Olanrewaju James, aka Baba Ijesha, as confirmed by the police. Our association, TAMPPAN, is crestfallen about this act and will reproach and remonstrate the committer of such sexual harassment to prepubescent children.

“Considering the sensitivity of the case, which is still under investigation, TAMPPAN will never support all acts against what we preach and represent.

“As an association, we understand the mores and the social norms of our people and our behaviour will always be homiletic. Therefore, we would not fail to support the government in its bid to do justice towards ensuring that such ignoble acts are checked within our society.”

The association also sympathized with the parents of the victim, and appealed to parents to encourage their children to freely express themselves and expose such acts.