Lami Calista, the mother of Ilebaye Odiniya, has reacted to a viral audio recording in which she appeared to disown her daughter amid the ongoing family crisis surrounding the reality TV star.
In the widely circulated recording, Lami was heard expressing anger and frustration toward Ilebaye.
“I disown you today,” she said in the clip, while also accusing her daughter of constantly defending her father.
However, in a new video shared online, Lami clarified that the recording had been misunderstood and insisted it was part of a deliberate plan between herself and Ilebaye due to tensions within the family.
“Yes, I made that video, I have my reasons for making that video,” she explained.
“It was a planned work between me and my daughter.”
According to her, the move was connected to allegations involving Ilebaye’s father, Emmanuel Odiniya, whom she accused of repeatedly blaming her for influencing their daughter.
Lami further alleged that Emmanuel drove Ilebaye out of the house and demanded ₦30 million before allowing her to return.
“The father told her that before he can accept her back into the house, she has to give him N30 million,” she claimed.
She added that she personally begged him to let their daughter stay in the house despite the disagreement.
Appealing to Nigerians not to judge her daughter harshly, Lami stated that Ilebaye has been privately battling serious family issues away from social media attention.
“If not that she called for help, she won’t have survived it that night,” she said emotionally.
The controversy comes after the Federal Capital Territory Police Command confirmed the arrest of Emmanuel Odiniya following an alleged assault incident involving Ilebaye at a residence in Wuye.
A viral video shared online showed the reality star crying and pleading for help, with visible swelling on her face.
Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh later confirmed that officers responded to a distress call, rescued Ilebaye, and took her to the NNPC Hospital for treatment.
Emmanuel Odiniya has since publicly defended himself, claiming frustration over family disputes and changes in Ilebaye’s behavior following her rise to fame after winning the 2023 edition of Big Brother Naija All Stars.
The situation has continued to spark widespread conversations online, with several former BBNaija housemates and fans calling for support, protection, and justice for the reality TV star.
