Emmanuel Godson Odiniya, father of Big Brother Naija All Stars winner Ilebaye Odiniya, has alleged that his daughter declined to lend him money ahead of a medical trip to Dubai. He made the claims in an audio recording shared online by journalist Jeremiah Promise Enemona Ocheme on Sunday. Mr Odiniya, who is receiving treatment in Abuja, said he had asked Ilebaye for a temporary loan because expected funds had not arrived. He claimed she told him she did not have money, despite being seen a week earlier spending large amounts at a colleague's wedding.
Mr Odiniya said he used his political and social networks to mobilise votes for his daughter during the Big Brother Naija All Stars edition, including support from governors and colleagues who donated money for voting units. He expressed disappointment that she did not publicly acknowledge those who supported her, particularly people from Kogi State. He also accused Ilebaye of repeated disrespect, verbal insults, and claimed some disagreements turned physical over the years.
He further alleged that Ilebaye once advised him to divorce her mother and accused her of exposing her younger brother to substance abuse, leading to behavioural problems at school. The latest conflict arose when Ilebaye visited the family home in Royal Anchor Estate, Wuye, Abuja, to see her brothers and discuss her 24th birthday plans. A confrontation followed, leading to an alleged assault.
Police confirmed they responded to a distress call at 12:00 a.m. on May 9, 2026, from the residence. FCT Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said officers from Wuye Division and the Department of Operations arrived and gained entry at about 2:30 a.m. Ilebaye, found with visible bruises, was rescued with her brothers and taken to NNPC Hospital. Her mother, Mrs Lami, who is estranged from Mr Odiniya, said custody of the two boys, aged 11 and 14, had been granted to their father by court order.
Emmanuel Odiniya claims he mobilised governors and donors to fund Ilebaye's Big Brother Naija win, yet says she refused to lend him money for a medical trip days after spending heavily at a colleague's wedding. He is now accused of assaulting her while holding court-ordered custody of her younger brothers. If he truly helped secure her victory, her refusal to assist him financially undermines the loyalty he says he earned. The public clash exposes a family fracture where support, once exchanged for influence, now appears conditional.
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