The father of reality TV star Ilebaye, Odinia Emmanuel Godson, has finally addressed the controversy surrounding an alleged violent attack on his daughter. In a video confession that quickly spread online, Godson clarified the circumstances leading to the incident.
He expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their interest in the matter, both supportive and critical. Godson emphasized that his actions were not rooted in a lack of love. He described Ilebaye as one of his favorite children, pointing to her education at top schools as evidence of his care.
The turning point, according to Godson, came when Ilebaye expressed interest in joining Big Brother Naija. He supported her initial attempt and, after she was evicted, rallied behind her second attempt in 2023, claiming to have contributed over 75% of the votes that secured her win. However, once she emerged victorious, he felt she became unresponsive to his guidance.
He explained that in his culture, parents must correct children before they go astray. Godson alleged that Ilebaye stopped heeding his advice, leading to the confrontation.
Earlier reports by DAILY POST detailed Ilebaye’s public plea for help, showing a swollen face during an Instagram livestream late Friday night. In the live video, she can be seen crying and screaming, with a man believed to be her father appearing to assault her in the background.