Baba Ijesha faces criticism over lavish naming ceremony

Nollywood actor Baba Ijesha has come under renewed criticism following the lavish naming ceremony of his son, with his public appearance reigniting debate over his return to social life after serving a prison sentence for child sexual assault.

A video from the ceremony, which went viral on social media, showed the actor kissing his wife, designer Luminee, as they celebrated their son, King Kagar Omiyinka, who was born earlier this year.

The event attracted several Nollywood personalities, including Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Foluke Daramola, Yetunde Wunmi, Laide Bakare, Wunmi Ajiboye, Olaiya Igwe and Sikiratu Sindodo.

The couple reportedly wore matching outfits, while guests appeared in specially designed Aso Ebi. The outfits were said to have sold for ₦250,000 for men and ₦350,000 for women.

Other videos from the ceremony showed Baba Ijesha comforting and praying for actress Peju Ogunmola, while another clip captured Luminee asking her husband to prostrate before her family.

However, the celebration generated mixed reactions online, with some social media users questioning the public reception given to the actor because of his conviction.

Some critics argued that his appearance at a lavish social event should not overshadow the seriousness of the offence, while others questioned whether he should continue to face public condemnation after serving his sentence.

Some comments also targeted his wife, with users accusing her of helping to rebuild his public image.

Baba Ijesha was sentenced in July 2022 to 16 years in prison by the Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court for sexually assaulting the 14-year-old foster daughter of comedienne Damilola Adekoya, popularly known as Princess.

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice said the sentences were to run concurrently. He regained his freedom in November 2025 after serving his sentence.
The ministry has also described reports about the circumstances of his release as false and misleading.

Although some media reports claimed that the Court of Appeal had overturned his conviction, no confirmed ruling establishing that outcome was available in the information provided. The appellate court had earlier reserved judgment in his appeal.

Princess has remained vocal about the case since his release. She previously claimed that she met about 12 people she described as his victims during investigations. The claim has not been independently verified.

The naming ceremony is one of several public appearances that have drawn attention since the actor's release.
In June, he announced the birth of his son on Instagram, surprising many followers who were unaware of his relationship with Luminee.

In July, he also claimed that the Ooni of Ife had conferred a chieftaincy title on him and given him a car. However, the monarch's palace dismissed reports that he had been installed as a chief.

Neither Baba Ijesha nor Luminee had publicly responded to the latest criticism in the reports provided.