Ms Lami Calista, mother of former Big Brother Naija winner Ilebaye Odiniya, has responded to allegations made by the reality star’s father, Emmanuel Odiniya, over claims involving financial support and family disputes.
The reaction follows a viral voice recording in which Mr Odiniya accused Ilebaye of refusing to support him financially despite winning ₦120 million after emerging winner of BBNaija All Stars in 2023.
Mother denies financial neglect claims
Speaking during an interview with LIB, Ms Lami dismissed the accusations and insisted that Ilebaye spent millions supporting her father’s medical treatment, including trips to India.
According to her, the conflict allegedly started after the reality star refused to hand over all her prize money and declined to give her father ₦50 million.
“When Ilebaye came out of the house, she gave the father ₦7 million when he was going for treatment in India. Even last year, she gave him ₦5 million again,” she said.
She further alleged that the father later demanded more money, leading Ilebaye to send an additional ₦3 million apart from monthly support.
“That is aside the ₦1 million she gives to him,” she added.
Claims over younger brother addressed
Ms Lami also denied allegations that Ilebaye introduced her younger brother to drugs, describing the accusation as false and damaging.
According to her, the issue involved an empty shisha pen allegedly found in Ilebaye’s room, which the boy later took to school out of curiosity.
She stated that school authorities only warned him after the matter was clarified and denied reports that he was expelled.
“Is Ilebaye stupid to give a 14-year-old child drugs?” she questioned.
Denies cosmetic surgery allegation
Reacting to claims that the BBNaija star secretly underwent cosmetic surgery, Ms Lami also dismissed the allegation.
“It is a lie. Look at her old picture and look at her present picture, does it look different?” she said.
She accused Ilebaye’s father of attempting to damage the reality star’s public image following the recent family controversy.
Emotional toll on reality star
Speaking further, Ms Lami said the allegations have deeply affected her daughter emotionally, especially claims linking her to drugs.
“To accuse someone of taking drugs, do you know the implication?” she asked.
“She is stubborn, yes, but she is not one to take drugs.”
The controversy surrounding Ilebaye and her family has continued to generate widespread reactions across social media, with Nigerians divided over the claims and counterclaims from both parents.
