Story from Kenneth AFOR, Lagos

The embattled Yoruba actor, Olanrenwaju Omiyinka popularly known as Baba Ijesha is obviously not finding things easy while he is yet to clear his name after being enmeshed in allegations surrounding defilement of a child and other related offences as enshrined in the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

His friends and fans have resorted to offering a little sigh of relief for the comic Yoruba actor by opening a GoFundMe account to foot his legal expenses.

On Wednesday, the fundraiser titled, ‘Help Olanrewaju Omiyinka with Legal Costs’ was organised by Oladele Matti who resides in Dublin, Ireland. While the target of the fundraiser is €50,000, they have so far raised €20 after nine hours of opening the account, according to reports.

Matti explaining the reason for the fundraising said, “Hi, my name is Oladele Matti and I am fundraising for Olanrewaju Omiyinka aka Baba Ijesha Legal Costs. A gesture of support/Goodwill/Solidarity to assist with the legal costs of a complicated and lengthy process that will likely offer the best chance of successfully obtaining fairness and justice.

“Olanrewaju Omiyinka, aka Baba Ijesha, is a popular actor/comedian. he was charged to court on the 24th of June, 2021 after spending over two months in police custody without bail. An act, which breached his fundamental human rights. In view of the above, we, Olarenwaju Omiyinka aka Baba Ijesha’s friends, fans, and supporters have started this GoFundMe campaign to give a helping hand to raise funds to pay for his legal expenses. Thank you for your love and support!”

Meanwhile, Nigerians have reacted to the move which at the moment is not receiving much-needed attention.

A Facebook user, Jessica Mogbo, said, “See some people supporting this act. How many sick actors or actresses have they raised funds for? Misplaced priorities.”

Olatunji Amida also said, “This is a fraudulent act and must be condemned. Oladele Matti who resides in Dublin Ireland should know the implication of the charges levelled against Baba Ijesha. I think he has ulterior motives and personal interests in the GoFundMe proceeds! This is absolutely a misplaced priority.”

According to Omowumi Esther, stated that “the fundraiser is an act of wickedness, this just shows how bad the world has become. Celebrating a supposed paedophile? I can’t believe the wickedness, selfishness, and lawlessness. How can humans be so wicked?”

“It’s very wrong to support a man who has no manners and morals. Supporting him is like promoting having carnal relationships with children,” Christian Paschal said.

Tajudeen Buhari said, “They are always quick to raise money for any form of criminality but can’t raise money to empower the youths and unfortunately, many senseless graduates will still keep hailing their action. What a nation!”

Describing the action as “arrant nonsense,” Ogunsola Nurudeen asked, “Why not persuade those human rights lawyers for legal assistance if truly he didn’t commit the allegations levelled against him?”

“Same friends that bash the Nigerian government every day, why raise money for someone accused of sexual assault? With a child for that matter. Absolute lunacy. Gofundme should take that rubbish page down ASAP (as soon as possible), ” Luciano Omo said.