•Why reconciliation failed third time
IT is not the first time a celebrity’s marriage has ended in divorce, but the dust raised by the breakup between music star Innocent ‘2Baba’ Idibia and his erstwhile wife, Annie Idibia, has refused to settle.
Almost two weeks since 2Baba announced he was walking out of the marriage in a video, no day has passed without the media feasting on the matter. While the African Queen crooner didn’t mention what led to their separation, findings by R revealed that the marriage had ended over a year ago but both parties couldn’t make it public despite enduring turbulent moments.
It was gathered that the family has managed to bring the situation under control but it was only a matter of time before things escalate.
A close family source told R that both parties contributed to the troubled marriage but it was not yet time for him to speak publicly on the matter. It would be the third time they would be reconciled if this works out but I guess it is too late now”, he said.
He mentioned that they would have announced their separation when the marked their wedding anniversary some weeks back but Annie was quick to come on social media platforms to celebrate their big day, thereby forcing his super start erstwhile husband to retreat.
It was gathered that 2Baba waited for the right time to strike as he waited for Annie to leave for a rehab before breaking the news even if he knew it would compound Annie’s woes.
What started as a fairy tale love story has now turned into a public spectacle, with accusations, family disputes, and even the intervention of security agencies.
Since the news of their separation came to town, the media space has been awash with speculation, allegations, and counterclaims.
What began as a mutual decision to part ways soon spiraled into a deeper controversy involving 2Baba’s baby mamas, his family members, and an alleged new lover, Hon. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The situation took another dramatic turn when 2Baba’s family allegedly petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) over his sudden disappearance. The family has however decided to keep the matter away from the public until Annie comes around to state her side of the story.
The rise of a music phenomenon
2Baba’s journey in music is nothing short of phenomenal. Rising to fame as a member of the Plantashun Boiz, he later cemented his legacy as a solo artiste with his breakthrough hit, “African Queen,” a song that would change the trajectory of his music career. The track became an instant classic, not just in Nigeria but across Africa and beyond, earning him international recognition and numerous awards.
Over the years, he continued to release chart-topping songs, collaborating with global artists and solidifying his status as one of the greatest musicians to come out of Nigeria. Though he has managed to keep his many personal issues under wraps, dealing with them internally, his musical success could not be said to have manifested in his personal life.
With children from more than three women, his personal relationships have been tumultuous, contrasting sharply with his professional triumphs. His ability to dominate the music scene has not translated into a stable personal life, and his marital turmoil has often made headlines.
2Baba’s influence on the Nigerian music industry cannot be overstated. His ability to evolve with the times, blending Afrobeat with contemporary sounds, set a precedent for younger artists. He pioneered a movement that saw Nigerian music gain global recognition, paving the way for the Afrobeats explosion.
His consistency, despite industry challenges, earned him multiple awards, including MTV and BET honors, further solidifying his legacy.
Despite his numerous achievements, the weight of personal struggles often overshadowed his career milestones. While he continued to make music that resonated with fans, his name was frequently dragged into controversies surrounding his relationships. His life became a paradox—a man adored for his music but constantly embroiled in personal battles that played out in the public eye.
Genesis of the crisis
2Baba and Annie’s relationship dates back to the late 1990s when they were young lovers struggling to make a name for themselves. Annie, a model and actress from Akwa Ibom State, captured 2Baba’s heart early on, but their journey was anything but smooth. Over the years, 2Baba fathered multiple children with other women, particularly Pero Adeniyi and Sumbo Ajaba, but Annie remained steadfast.
Her patience and perseverance eventually paid off when 2Baba chose her as his wife, culminating in a lavish wedding in Dubai in 2013.
The ceremony was heavily supported by then-Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, who reportedly covered a significant part of the expenses and offered financial support to Annie as a native of his state. The extravagant wedding, attended by dignitaries and celebrities, was a testament to the strength of their love—or so it seemed.
Trouble in Idibia’s paradise
Despite their public display of affection, trouble lurked beneath the surface. The first major crack in their marriage became evident when Annie accused 2Baba of consistently giving Pero Adeniyi preferential treatment.
Matters came to a head in 2021 when 2Baba left Nigeria for the U.S. and was seen spending time with Pero and their children. Annie, feeling humiliated and betrayed, took to social media to vent her frustrations, leading to a public feud between her and 2Baba’s family.
2Baba’s siblings, particularly his brother Charles Idibia, accused Annie of being manipulative and trying to turn their brother against them. Charles claimed that Annie was controlling and constantly played the victim. This bitter exchange between Annie and the Idibia family marked the beginning of an irreparable rift.
The breaking point
While many hoped the couple would reconcile, 2Baba shocked fans in early 2025 by announcing his separation from Annie via Instagram. Although he later claimed his account had been hacked, he confirmed the breakup in a video, stating, “I said what I said. I come in peace.”
Days later, the controversy deepened as rumors emerged linking 2Baba to Hon. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly. A viral video appeared to show him proposing to her in an intimate setting, sparking outrage among fans and family members. Many questioned how 2Baba could move on so quickly after ending his 12-year marriage.
His mother, Mrs. Rose Idibia, was among those who voiced their disapproval. In a video, she warned Natasha to stay away from her son, stating, “I have been quiet all this while, but I cannot fold my arms and watch this happen. My son has been through so much already, and this is not the time for another distraction.”
The DSS intervention
As the drama unfolded, another shocking twist emerged—2Baba had gone missing. His family, unable to reach him for days, filed a petition with the DSS, fearing for his safety. According to sources, he was last seen in Lagos before he stopped responding to calls and messages.
“At first, we thought he just needed space after everything that happened, but now, we are genuinely worried. This is unusual,” a source close to the family disclosed.
While the DSS has yet to release an official statement, insiders suggest preliminary inquiries have begun. Speculations abound regarding his disappearance, with some believing he went into hiding to escape the pressure, while others fear deeper issues at play.
Annie’s silence and Natasha’s denial
Annie, who has remained relatively quiet since the separation, has yet to comment on 2Baba’s sudden disappearance. Insiders claim she is focusing on moving forward and prioritizing her children’s well-being.
Meanwhile, Hon. Natasha has dismissed the rumors, insisting that her relationship with 2Baba is strictly platonic. In a statement, her media team described the viral video as “misleading and taken out of context.”
A love story in tatters
The collapse of 2Baba and Annie’s marriage has left many disillusioned, given their history of resilience through past challenges. What was once a symbol of love and forgiveness has become a cautionary tale of public scrutiny, unresolved conflicts, and the price of fame.
As the dust continues to settle, one thing remains certain—the Idibia family drama is far from over, and the coming days may reveal more shocking twists.
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