Fresh details have emerged surrounding the ongoing family controversy involving former Big Brother Naija winner Ilebaye Odiniya, after her mother publicly addressed a viral audio clip that sparked outrage across social media.
The audio recording, which circulated widely online, captured Lami Calista apparently distancing herself from her daughter during an emotional exchange linked to long-running family tensions.
In the recording, Lami could be heard saying, “Ilebaye, don’t look for me, because if I die today, you will have contributed to my death. Hold your father that you love so much.”
She further declared, “You’re always protecting your father, whom you love so much. I am not your mother. This is the end, even if I die, don’t look for me. I disown you today.”
The emotional statements quickly triggered concern online, with many Nigerians questioning the nature of the family dispute and expressing sympathy for the reality TV star.
However, in a follow-up video that later surfaced online, Lami explained that the controversial audio was not an outright rejection of her daughter but part of what she described as a deliberate plan between mother and daughter.
“I want to clear something that popped up yesterday about me abandoning her in that video. Yes, I made that video. I have my reasons for making that video,” she stated.
According to her, the recording was intended to counter repeated accusations allegedly made by Ilebaye’s father, Emmanuel Odiniya.
“It was a planned work between I and my daughter to put out that video. The father is always saying it is Baye who is taking me out of his house,” she explained.
Lami also made fresh allegations against Emmanuel, claiming he forced their daughter out of the family residence and demanded a large sum of money before allowing her to return home.
“The father drove her out of the house, too, so that since I left, she should leave the house too. The father told her that before he could accept her back into the house, she had to give him N30 million. I came, and I begged him to allow her in, so that later she would give him the money,” she alleged.
Appealing directly to Nigerians, Lami urged the public not to condemn her daughter, insisting the reality star has been struggling emotionally behind the scenes despite her public image.
“I beg you people Nigerians, you people should not judge her, that girl has been through a lot. I am not coming out here to receive a pity vote from you people. I am here to tell the truth,” she said.
She added, “If you were in her shoes, I don’t think you could take what she is taking. If you see she is not on social media, it is because she is battling with family issues at home.”
Lami further disclosed that the situation allegedly became life-threatening during a recent confrontation.
“If not that she called for help, she would not have survived it that night. Thank you and God bless you,” she added emotionally.
Following the incident, the Nigeria Police Force reportedly arrested Emmanuel Odiniya over allegations of assault, while investigations into the matter continue.
Emmanuel, however, defended himself, saying he acted out of frustration during the family disagreement. He maintained that his actions were not driven by hatred toward his daughter but by concerns over what he described as changes in her attitude and behaviour after her victory on Big Brother Naija.
As reactions continue to trail the family drama, many Nigerians on social media have called for calm, urging all parties involved to prioritize healing, reconciliation, and professional support amid the escalating tensions.