Actor Yomi Fabiyi Says The Baba Ijesha Molestation Saga Inspired His New Movie ' Oko Iyabo'

Yoruba Nollywood actor Yomi Fabiyi has been in the news for shooting a movie 'Oko Iyabo' which those who have seen say supports abuse against the girl child.

Stella Dimoko Korkus Blog contacted the actor to ask some questions on why he would shoot such a movie.

The Interview ended unplanned.

Tell me about the controversially banned movie Oko iyabo..

Nobody banned the movie, you can't ban movie that way, even censor's board that has the official capacity will rate and classify. However, there is no way such movie will not get G as rating as everything in the movie is to fight ills, fight for Girl Child, and other relevant messages in the society. The online distributor and I decided to keep it on private for now while the relevant organisation peruse it and see to concerns raised. And as a film writer, I tap inspiration from true life stories, meditation and past events online and offline.




What is the story line of Oko Iyabo?


It is the story of an abused young girl by incessant fighting of her parent which influenced her character. It is aimed to correct lapses in parenting as well as society and why every person must play a role in protecting every child, shun violence, jungle justice, disrespect and other ills.





I have not seen the movie but i read comments which suggested that you were inspired by the baby Ijesha molestation saga and that the movie silently supports him........ is this true?




It may be correct that the Baba Ijesha inspired me but it is totally lies and evil to suggest any part of the movie supports what he is accused of. But unfortunately, this is social media, it is the perspective they want to sell. I may announce that the film should be enable for public viewing and people can watch and determine. Films of Nelson Mandela and co used original names. It all depends on the angle. There is no perfect movie, criticism are part of movies but trust me, the claim I was mocking the girl is blown negatively and I can't correct everybody's mindset but can simply say that it is untrue. I never did.

I heard you used real names...why did you do this?




It is a movie Stella? Names were mixed with fake last names. They are not original identities. This movie was shot about 5weeks ago or more. It is aimed to correct ills and make the society better and safer for every child and persons. If a part was extracted in isolation, given a rider and most never ponder on it, I can conclude I am not the first to be treated such way. There are movies about many popular people or incidents and names were used to give artistic account or impression. It may be correct or partially correct but to have people judge based on one scene is funny. 

The timing of release may be questioned but do we stop talking or filming about sexual assault and other vices. It is not that whatever is done there is going to be used as part of the evidence in court, no real court accept such. Nothing undermines the fight for the girl and nothing true about mocking anybody. I wrote according to artistic evaluation, no malice was intended. And I will never hurt the girl.