Father of former Big Brother Naija All Stars winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, Emmanuel Odiniya, has spoken publicly for the first time following the viral family altercation involving his daughter, insisting that despite the incident, he still loves her and hopes for reconciliation.
In a voice note reportedly shared online by Kogi-based journalist Jeremiah Promise Enemona Ocheme, Emmanuel denied claims that the confrontation stemmed from hatred toward his daughter, describing her instead as one of his “best children.”
“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.
The father explained that he strongly supported Ilebaye during her time on the Big Brother Naija All Stars reality show and mobilised influential individuals to vote for her until she emerged winner.
“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,” he stated.
According to Emmanuel, their relationship allegedly became strained after her victory, as he claimed the reality star became distant and no longer respected him.
“After she came out and won, she changed. Ilebaye stopped listening to me. I would book her appointments five to six times in a week and she wouldn’t give me audience. She stopped regarding me as her father,” he alleged.
He also criticised some of her lifestyle choices, including alleged cosmetic procedures, saying he had warned her against undergoing surgeries at a young age.
The father further claimed that there had been previous incidents of physical confrontation between them, alleging that Ilebaye once attacked him with an AC hanger, causing injuries.
Speaking on the recent altercation, Emmanuel claimed the confrontation escalated after his daughter allegedly insulted and physically attacked him first.
“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 alleged.
He additionally accused the reality TV star of refusing to assist him financially despite his health condition, claiming he had requested support for medical treatment abroad.
Despite the allegations, Emmanuel maintained that he still deeply cares for his daughter and wants peace restored within the family.
“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,” he said.
The incident became public after Ilebaye shared an emotional livestream video crying for help, sparking widespread concern among fans and followers online.
Confirming the development earlier, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Josephine Adeh, said all parties involved sustained injuries and were receiving treatment in hospital.
She also disclosed that the siblings involved had been placed under police protective custody while investigations continued into the matter.