Baba Ijesha Opens Up On Relationship With Mr Latin After Prison Release

Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has spoken about his relationship with fellow actor and President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, better known as Mr Latin.

Baba Ijesha, who made the revelation during an interview with Kasnaty TV, described Mr Latin as his brother despite the differences that arose between them during and after his widely publicised legal battle.

The actor said he had chosen not to hold a grudge against Mr Latin, recalling the support and opportunities his colleague had provided earlier in his career, including facilitating his first trip to London.

According to him, their relationship dates back several years, adding that they are both from Osun State and had shared good moments before his legal troubles.

Baba Ijesha said he contacted Mr Latin more than 25 times after returning from prison because he had expected to stay at his colleague’s residence, but the actor repeatedly told him he was busy.

He, however, maintained that he was not angry with Mr Latin, describing him as a good person who prefers to avoid situations that could lead to confrontation.

The actor’s comments come against the backdrop of his 2021 arrest and subsequent trial over allegations involving the sexual assault of a minor. In July 2022, a Lagos High Court convicted him on some of the charges and sentenced him to 16 years imprisonment, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently.

During the case, Mr Latin publicly condemned the alleged offence and stated that Baba Ijesha was not a registered member of TAMPAN at the time and therefore could not be subjected to the association’s disciplinary process.

Reflecting on the reactions of his colleagues to the case, Baba Ijesha suggested that some people who remained silent may have been constrained by the circumstances surrounding the matter.

Despite the past disagreements, he maintained that he would rather remember the positive things Mr Latin had done for him than allow the differences to define their relationship.