“WHY I DISCIPLINED MY DAUGHTER” — BBNAIJA ILEBAYE’S FATHER SPEAKS OUT

Ilebaye Odiniya’s father, Emmanuel Odiniya, has spoken publicly following allegations that he assaulted the former Big Brother Naija winner during a family dispute.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command reportedly arrested Mr Odiniya after the reality TV star cried out for help during an Instagram Live session on Saturday night.

Speaking in a viral voice note cited by Punch newspaper, Mr Odiniya said the incident resulted from prolonged family disagreements and frustration, insisting that he still loves his daughter.

“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 reportedly said.

According to him, he actively supported Ilebaye during her time on the Big Brother Naija reality show and helped mobilise support for her eventual victory.

Mr Odiniya claimed their relationship changed after her win, alleging that she became distant and stopped listening to him.

He also criticised what he described as changes in her lifestyle, including alleged cosmetic procedures, while further alleging that disagreements between them had become physical on previous occasions.

According to the report, he alleged that their latest confrontation escalated after an argument during which both parties exchanged accusations of physical aggression.

Mr Odiniya additionally claimed he had sought financial assistance from his daughter for medical treatment abroad but was refused, despite seeing videos of her spending publicly at social events.

He further alleged that she negatively influenced her younger brother and interfered in family matters, including his marriage.

Despite the allegations and ongoing controversy, Mr Odiniya said he still hoped for reconciliation and asked Nigerians to pray for the family.

“The police have already intervened and settled the matter,” he reportedly stated.

Ilebaye rose to national prominence after winning Season 8 of Big Brother Naija in 2023, earning the grand prize worth N120 million.