Why I flogged my daughter mercilessly – Ilebaye’s dad’s alleged confession

Emmanuel Godson Odiniya, the father of Big Brother Naija All Stars winner Ilebaye Odiniya, has allegedly confessed to flogging his daughter mercilessly, citing a financial dispute and other ongoing family issues as the cause of their recent altercation.

In an audio recording shared on social media by journalist Jeremiah Promise Enemona Ocheme, Mr. Odiniya, who is reportedly receiving treatment at a hospital in Abuja, discussed the ongoing rift between him and Ilebaye. While the authenticity of this confession cannot be independently verified, the recording offers insight into his grievances and accusations.

According to the alleged confession, Mr. Odiniya claimed to have played a significant role in supporting Ilebaye during her time on the Big Brother Naija All Stars edition, where she emerged victorious. He reportedly used his political and social influence to rally support for her from Kogi State and beyond, stating, “I used my influence seriously to make people of Kogi State and all over vote massively for my daughter. Even governors of some states and my colleagues donated money.”

However, Mr. Odiniya expressed frustration that Ilebaye did not publicly acknowledge or appreciate the efforts of those who supported her, particularly the Kogi community. “I saw a lot of things going wrong with her when it comes to the issue of appreciating what they did for you when you were in Big Brother,” he allegedly said.

He further claimed that, despite being one of his most beloved children, Ilebaye had disrespected him repeatedly over the years. He alleged that their disagreements had even turned physical at times. Additionally, he accused his daughter of advising him to divorce her mother and of being partly responsible for her younger brother’s involvement in substance abuse, which he believed contributed to behavioral problems at school.

The most recent dispute, according to Mr. Odiniya’s alleged confession, involved him requesting financial assistance from Ilebaye for a medical trip to Dubai. He said that he was lacking funds temporarily, as expected money had not yet arrived, but Ilebaye allegedly refused to lend him any money. “I told my daughter, ‘I’m lacking resources, please borrow me a certain amount of money, the money I’m expecting hasn’t come.’ She told me she doesn’t have money,” he stated.

Mr. Odiniya compared Ilebaye’s refusal to lend him money with her lavish spending at a colleague’s wedding. “A week before that, come and see how my daughter was spraying bundles of money at the wedding of one of her colleagues,” he allegedly said. “I will be happy if my daughter supports her colleagues, but what about your father? If you help your father, is anything wrong?”

This family conflict has been further complicated by a widely publicized altercation between Mr. Odiniya and Ilebaye, which led to his arrest. A viral video surfaced showing Ilebaye in distress with visible facial swelling, calling for help during the altercation. The Federal Capital Territory Police intervened after receiving a distress call.

Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh confirmed the incident, stating that the police responded to the call regarding the alleged assault. “On the 9th of May, 2026, at about 12:00 a.m., the FCT Police Command responded to a distress call from Royal Anchor Estate, Wuye, Abuja,” she said. “Upon arrival, officers discovered that the gate to the residence was locked. After several attempts, access was gained, and Ms. Ilebaye Odiniya, who was found with visible bruises, was rescued and rushed to NNPC Hospital Abuja for medical attention.”

Meanwhile, Ilebaye’s mother, Mrs. Lami, who is estranged from Mr. Odiniya, revealed that the altercation began when Ilebaye visited the family house to see her younger brothers and discuss her upcoming birthday celebration. According to Mrs. Lami, the argument escalated after Mr. Odiniya accused Ilebaye of being influenced by her mother.

This incident has once again drawn attention to the long-standing domestic issues within the Odiniya family, especially following the collapse of Mr. and Mrs. Lami’s 32-year marriage. A court had previously granted custody of their two sons, aged 11 and 14, to Mr. Odiniya.