TAMPPAN Expresses Sadness, Disappointment Over Baba Ijesha’s Rape Allegations

The Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria has expressed dissatisfaction with actor Olarenwaju James, also known as Baba Ijesha, for allegedly sexually abusing a teenager.

TAMPPAN, in a statement signed by its Director of Research and Documentation, Yemi Amodu, and sent to Sunday Scoop on Saturday, said it would never endorse any heinous act, but would assist the Lagos State Government in ensuring that justice is done.

“We deem it obligatory to denounce in totality the heinous case of paedophilia admitted to by Mr Olanrewaju James, alias Baba Ijesha, as stated by the police,” the statement read in part. TAMPPAN is outraged by this act and will chastise and reprimand the perpetrator of such sexual assault against prepubescent children.

“Given the seriousness of the case, which is still being investigated, TAMPPAN will never endorse any act that contradicts what we preach and stand for.

“We understand our people’s mores and social norms as an association, and our behavior will always be homiletic. As a result, we will not hesitate to help the government in its efforts to ensure that such heinous actions are not tolerated in our society.”

Although sympathizing with the victim’s parents, the association encouraged parents to allow their children to express themselves openly and to report such actions.

“We sympathize with the victim’s parents and take this opportunity to urge all parents to allow their children or wards the right to express themselves in order to prevent such horrific actions from occurring in the future,” it continued.