Lami Calista, mother of Ilebaye Odiniya, has addressed the viral audio recording in which she appeared to disown her daughter, clarifying the context behind the emotional outburst.
The recording had sparked controversy online after she was heard saying she no longer wanted to be contacted by Ilebaye and suggesting that if she died, her daughter would be partly responsible. She was also heard expressing frustration over her relationship with the reality star’s father.
In a new video response, Lami insisted the audio was misunderstood, claiming it was part of a planned strategy between her and Ilebaye meant to expose ongoing family issues.
She said: “I want to clear something that popped up yesterday about me abandoning her in that video. Yes, I made that video. I have my reasons for making that video.
“It was a plan worked out between I and my daughter to put out that video. The father is always saying it is Baye who is taking me out of his house.”
Lami also made serious allegations against Ilebaye’s father, Emmanuel Odiniya, claiming he forced their daughter out of the house and imposed conditions for her return.
“The father drove her out of the house, too, so that since I left, she should leave the house too. The father told her that before he could accept her back into the house, she had to give him N30 million. I came, and I begged him to allow her in, so that later she would give him the money.”
She urged Nigerians not to judge her daughter, stressing that Ilebaye has been going through emotional and family struggles behind the scenes.
“I beg you people Nigerians, you people should not judge her, that girl has been through a lot. I am not coming out here to receive a pity vote from you people. I am here to tell the truth.
“If you were in her shoes, I don’t think you could take what she is taking. If you see she is not on social media, it is because she is battling with family issues at home.
“If not that she called for help, she would not have survived it that night. Thank you and God bless you.”
