Nigeria, June 18 -- Since actor and comedian Olanrewaju "Baba Ijesha" James announced the birth of his son, King Kagar, with fashion entrepreneur Abiodun Tokunbo, CEO of Luminee Couture, the news has drawn widespread criticism.

Netizens could not hold back, particularly because the announcement came seven months after Baba Ijesha was released from prison, having served a jail term following his conviction in a child sexual assault case.

The criticisms were also fuelled by the fact that neither Baba Ijesha nor Ms Tokunbo had previously made their relationship public, a fact that came as a shock to many Nigerians.

Amid the criticisms, actor and activist Yomi Fabiyi, a close ally of Baba Ijesha who advocated his release during his impriso...