Fresh details have emerged surrounding the reported family dispute involving Ilebaye Odiniya, after her father, Emmanuel Odiniya, publicly addressed the controversy that recently drew widespread attention online.
In an emotional voice recording that surfaced on social media over the weekend, Emmanuel denied claims that his actions stemmed from hatred toward his daughter. Instead, he described the altercation as the result of growing tension within the family following Ilebaye’s rise to fame after winning the Big Brother Naija All Stars edition.
According to him, the relationship between father and daughter allegedly became strained after the reality TV triumph changed her lifestyle and attitude toward family members.
“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 said.
Emmanuel explained that he played a major role in supporting her journey during the reality show, claiming he mobilised resources, influence, and public support to help secure her victory.
“During her time in the Big Brother Naija house, I contributed a lot. I stood by my daughter and made sure people voted for her massively. I used my influence and connections, including governors and other people, to support her until she won.”
The father alleged that things began to deteriorate after her emergence as winner, accusing the reality star of distancing herself from him and becoming increasingly confrontational.
He claimed that despite arranging several professional engagements for her weekly, she allegedly ignored him and no longer treated him with respect as her father.
Emmanuel also criticised some of the lifestyle choices allegedly made by the reality star, particularly claims surrounding cosmetic enhancement procedures.
“I warned her against getting cosmetic surgery — face reconstruction with fillers and BBL. She’s too young for that.”
The controversy deepened as he accused Ilebaye of physically attacking him on previous occasions, alleging that one incident left him bleeding after being struck with an air-conditioner hanger.
Speaking further on the latest confrontation, Emmanuel maintained that his daughter allegedly assaulted him first before the situation escalated.
“In this recent incident, she insulted me, hit me first with a sea hanger, causing bleeding, pushed me, and then broke an electric lantern on my head.”
He also expressed disappointment over what he described as neglect during a difficult health period. According to him, he had requested financial assistance for medical treatment abroad but was turned down.
“I am very sick and needed to go for medical treatment in Dubai. I called Ilebaye to help me with some money and promised to refund her. She said she didn’t have money. But I saw her video spraying bundles of naira at a colleague’s wedding.”
Emmanuel further alleged that the family crisis extended beyond their personal disagreement, accusing the reality star of negatively influencing her younger brother and interfering in marital matters within the home.
“I still love my daughter deeply. I want her to change and do better. I ask for prayers from Nigerians. The police have already intervened and settled the matter.”
The incident first gained public attention after Ilebaye appeared in a distressing livestream video where she tearfully cried out for help, sparking concern among fans and followers across social media platforms.
Reports later indicated that multiple members of the family, including Emmanuel and Ilebaye’s younger brothers, sustained injuries during the confrontation at their Abuja residence and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Confirming the development, Federal Capital Territory Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, disclosed that authorities had stepped in to manage the situation while investigations continued.
“The man is in the hospital; he is sick. All of them were badly injured and are all in the hospital.”
Police also confirmed that the siblings involved were placed under protective custody as authorities worked to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation within the family.