By Bababunmi Agbebi
When news and videos surfaced showing actor Omiyinka Olanrewaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, visiting the Ooni of Ife, social media erupted almost instantly. The controversy grew even louder with claims that he had been conferred with a chieftaincy title, an allegation that, as of the time of writing, has not been confirmed by the Ooni’s Palace.
The palace owes the public some clarity. Not because every royal visit requires an explanation, but because this particular visitor carries one of the most controversial criminal records in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Let’s establish one thing first.
Baba Ijesha has served the prison sentence handed down by the court. In every functional justice system, prison is not meant to exist solely as a place of punishment. It is also intended to reform offenders and prepare them for reintegration into society. If society refuses to accept anyone who has completed a lawful sentence, then we must honestly ask ourselves: what exactly is the purpose of imprisonment?
Friends may forgive.
Family may forgive.
Society, over time, may even forgive.
That, in itself, is not the problem.
The concern begins when forgiveness starts looking like celebration.
Those are two very different things.
A prodigal son returning home is not a bad thing. In fact, redemption stories are often some of the most powerful stories society can tell. But welcoming someone back into society should never be mistaken for rewarding them as though nothing happened.
That distinction matters.
It is also important to acknowledge why many Nigerians remain uncomfortable.
I do not believe the outrage is driven by hatred for Baba Ijesha as an individual. Rather, many people are simply being careful that someone convicted of abusing a child is not presented directly or indirectly as a triumphant survivor of public criticism.
Symbols matter.
Public optics matter.
The messages sent to victims matter even more.
Celebrating someone in these circumstances risks creating the impression that accountability is temporary while public honour is permanent.
What makes Baba Ijesha’s case even more complicated is that he has continued to maintain his innocence despite the public record surrounding the case. Genuine redemption is often accompanied by accountability, remorse and a demonstrated commitment to becoming a better person.
Without accountability, attempts at rebuilding public trust become significantly more difficult.
This is why the alleged chieftaincy title has generated so much debate.
If the reports are false, the Ooni’s Palace should say so clearly.
If there is another explanation for the visit, Nigerians, particularly Yoruba indigenes who hold the institution of the Ooni in high esteem deserve that clarification.
Silence only fuels speculation.
There is another lesson worth considering.
After serving his prison sentence, Segun Egbegbe largely withdrew from the public spotlight. Whether by personal choice or strategic necessity, he understood that rebuilding a damaged reputation requires patience, humility and time, not constant public appearances.
Perhaps Baba Ijesha should consider a similar path.
There is life after prison.
There can even be purpose after prison.
But rehabilitation should not become a public relations campaign.
Incidentally, congratulations are in order on the birth of his child. Parenthood offers a fresh opportunity to shape the next generation. Perhaps his greatest legacy from this point forward will not be another movie role or another public appearance, but raising a son who grows into a responsible man with respect for women, children and the values society expect.
That would be a far more meaningful comeback.
Ultimately, the biggest test may not be social media’s reaction.
It will be the audience.
Will Nigerians pay to watch a film featuring Baba Ijesha?
Will producers be willing to cast him?
Can an actor recover commercially after serving time for such an offence?
Those questions cannot be answered by palace visits or social media debates.
Only time and the Nigerian audience will decide.
Until then, one principle should remain non-negotiable: redemption deserves room to exist, but accountability should never be overshadowed by applause.
