Emmanuel Odiniya, father of former Big Brother Naija Reality Stars winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, has finally addressed the viral altercation involving his daughter, insisting the confrontation was sparked by repeated provocation rather than hatred or resentment toward her.
In a voice note reportedly shared online by Kogi-based journalist Jeremiah Promise Enemona Ocheme, Odiniya said he felt compelled to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident, which recently drew widespread public attention.
According to him, he played a major role in supporting Ilebaye during her time on the reality show and helped mobilise influential figures and voters to ensure her victory.
“I want to make it clear that I love my daughter very much. She remains one of my best children,” he stated. “I stood by her throughout the Big Brother journey and used my connections, including governors and other influential people, to support her until she emerged winner.”
Odiniya, however, claimed their relationship deteriorated after her rise to fame. He alleged that the reality star became distant, ignored his efforts to manage her schedule, and no longer treated him with respect as her father.
He also criticised her alleged lifestyle choices, particularly claims of cosmetic enhancement procedures, saying he had repeatedly advised her against undergoing surgeries such as fillers and BBL at a young age.
The father further accused Ilebaye of previously assaulting him on multiple occasions.
“She has attacked me before, and I kept quiet,” he alleged. “At one point, she struck me with an AC hanger until I started bleeding.”
Speaking on the latest confrontation, Odiniya claimed the former reality TV star physically attacked him first before the situation escalated.
“She insulted me, hit me with a sea hanger, pushed me, and later smashed an electric lantern on my head,” he said.
He also expressed disappointment over what he described as financial neglect despite his declining health.
According to him, he sought financial assistance from his daughter for medical treatment in Dubai, but she allegedly declined, even though he later saw videos of her spraying money publicly at a wedding ceremony.
Odiniya additionally accused Ilebaye of negatively influencing her younger brother and interfering in family matters, including his marriage.
Despite the allegations, he maintained that he still loves his daughter and hopes for reconciliation.
“I want her to change and become better. I still love her deeply, and I ask Nigerians to pray for us,” he said, adding that police authorities had already intervened and resolved the matter.
The incident reportedly left Ilebaye, her father, and other family members hospitalised following the clash at their Abuja residence.
The situation first gained public attention after Ilebaye shared an emotional livestream in tears, pleading for help and triggering concern among fans on social media.
Confirming the incident, Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, stated that all parties involved sustained injuries and were receiving medical care.
“The man is in the hospital and is seriously ill. All those involved were injured and are currently receiving treatment,” she said.
Adeh also disclosed that the siblings had been placed under police protective custody while investigations into the incident continue.
