Nigerian actor Baba Ijesha and his wife, celebrity stylist Luminee, have sparked widespread criticism after revealing the Aso Ebi prices for their newborn son's naming ceremony. The couple announced via Instagram flyers that male attendees would pay N250,000 and female attendees N350,000 for the matching fabric, reigniting debates about the extravagance of celebrity family events in Nigeria.
Pricing Details and Public Reaction
The naming ceremony is scheduled for August 27, 2026, weeks after the couple welcomed their first child together in June 2026. The Aso Ebi prices mirror those set by Nollywood stars Lateef Adedimeji and Mo'Bimpe for their triplets' thanksgiving, prompting comparisons. Many social media users criticized the high costs, with some questioning whether Nollywood events had become competitive displays of wealth.
Commentator @stillWoski remarked: "Baba ijesha knows that anyone foolish enough to attend that shitshow may just Amwell be foolish enough to buy a fabric for quarter a million." Others defended the couple, noting that purchasing Aso Ebi is optional. User @natocrino commented: "Enemies go wan die. There are some women that enters your life and everything about you becomes renewed and blessed."
Context of Baba Ijesha's Recent Release
The backlash is compounded by Baba Ijesha's criminal history. The actor was imprisoned after being convicted in a child sexual abuse case and was released in late 2025. His wife Luminee celebrated his release and their baby's birth on social media, calling him "one in a million" with a pure heart. However, many Nigerians expressed outrage that he is now hosting a lavish celebration. User @ifedayoeri wrote: "This man should be arrested again. I wonder why men get away with so many things in this country."
Another user, @mobola_ade, shared a lengthy critique: "There's a widespread disease going on in this country. I can't fully explain It is as though we have normalized abnormality. Public shame has diminished, consequences no longer carry the weight they once did, and social values that traditionally restrained excess or misconduct are steadily eroding. People who should reflect, show remorse, or exercise restraint instead celebrate themselves without regard for the broader social climate. We're cooked."
Daddy Freeze Mocks the Actor
Media personality Daddy Freeze also mocked Baba Ijesha, questioning the timing of the baby's conception. In an Instagram video, he joked that the actor might have "transferred the pregnancy via Bluetooth" and noted that Nigerian prisons do not permit conjugal visits. Freeze speculated that the baby could be premature, adding to the controversy surrounding the couple.
The naming ceremony invitation, shared on Instagram, features the couple's son and details of the event. Despite the criticism, some supporters argue that the couple has the right to set their own prices and that attendance is voluntary. The debate continues to trend online, highlighting the intersection of celebrity culture, morality, and economic disparity in Nigeria.
