The news of Nigerian pop icon Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, announcing his separation from actress and reality star Annie Idibia (née Macaulay) has sent shockwaves across Africa. The couple’s relationship, which spanned over two decades and symbolized hope for love in the entertainment world, has ended amidst drama, allegations, and a history of complex challenges.
On January 26, 2025, 2Baba posted on social media:
“Hello to my beautiful people of all federations. Well, this thing I have to say is short but also long… Annie and I have been separated for a while now. We are currently filing for divorce… I would grant a press release soon to tell my story… not because it’s anyone’s business but because I love my people and need them to know the truth. Stay blessed.”
Though the post was swiftly deleted, rumors of hacking were dismissed when 2Baba confirmed in a live video, “No one hacked my account. I said what I said.” The fallout has seen both stars unfollowing each other on Instagram, signaling that their once-beloved partnership has truly unraveled.
The Love Story That Captivated Millions
2Baba first met Annie in the late 1990s. He was part of the now-legendary boy band Plantashun Boiz, alongside Blackface and Faze, and was on the cusp of solo stardom. Annie, then a budding model and actress, became known to the public when she appeared as the lead love interest in the music video for 2Baba’s iconic hit, “African Queen” (2004). The song cemented his global status as a trailblazer of Afrobeats.
Annie and 2Baba’s romance, marked by on-again, off-again moments, persisted through the years. By 2012, after a series of tumultuous events—including pregnancies with other women—2Baba proposed. Their lavish two-part wedding in 2013 was a celebration that drew politicians, celebrities, and fans alike. The traditional ceremony in Akwa Ibom and a grand destination wedding in Dubai reflected the couple’s status as one of Nigeria’s most admired power couples.
Challenges Behind the Glitz
The couple’s public appearances often radiated joy, but cracks behind the scenes gradually became evident. During their marriage, Annie grappled with 2Baba’s past relationships, including his fathering of multiple children with other women, notably Sunmbo Adeoye and Pero Adeniyi. Annie’s pain over these situations was laid bare during her appearances on the reality show Young, Famous & African, where she expressed frustration over being his first love but not the first to bear his children.
In one episode, she revealed, “It’s all pain, hurt… But, like I always say, the good times are so much more. I have forever with him to make up for the bad times.” However, public support waned when old wounds were reopened, especially during viral moments like a 2015 photo of 2Baba kissing Pero, which fuelled Annie’s insecurities.
Family Feuds and Public Spats
Annie’s suspicions about Pero’s ongoing influence in 2Baba’s life triggered repeated conflicts. In September 2021, Annie accused 2Baba of deceitfully traveling to the U.S. to spend time with Pero and their children under the guise of a work trip. The accusations led to a viral outburst, where Annie threatened to “scatter everything.” Pero denied the claims, stating she had no contact with 2Baba at the time.
The Idibias’ troubles extended to their extended families. Charles Idibia, 2Baba’s brother, accused Annie of hostility and controlling behaviour, including attempts to isolate 2Baba from his family. Annie later apologized, expressing regret over her public outburst.
A Reality Show That Amplified Cracks
Some observers believe the reality show Young, Famous & African escalated the couple’s issues. Annie’s erratic behavior on screen, described by viewers as “twitchy and emotional,” sparked concerns about her mental health. Reports emerged that Annie was undergoing rehabilitation for substance abuse, with support from close friends, including Tiwa Savage and Toke Makinwa.
Support and Criticism in the Aftermath
The announcement of their separation ignited heated debates across social media. While some sympathized with 2Baba, citing the immense pressures of his marriage, others criticized him for publicly announcing the separation. Toke Makinwa, a close friend of Annie, voiced her outrage, stating, “This is wrong on all levels. You should be ashamed for bringing this here. Annie is not alone; she has all of us.”
Teebillz, Tiwa Savage’s ex-husband, defended 2Baba, likening his plight to a “pipe under pressure” that finally broke after years of endurance.
The Marriage’s Collapse and Future Prospects
The Idibias’ relationship, once emblematic of resilience and romance, ultimately could not withstand the complexities of blended families, media scrutiny, and unresolved trauma. Fans who once believed in their fairy-tale love now ponder the lessons to be drawn from their experience.
Despite their separation, both stars retain legacies that extend beyond their marriage. 2Baba remains a pioneering figure in Afrobeats, paving the way for stars like Wizkid and Burna Boy. Annie, too, is a successful actress and entrepreneur, with many predicting that she will emerge stronger from this ordeal.
Their story underscores the challenges of maintaining intimacy under the glare of fame. For millions who followed their journey, the end of their marriage is both a cautionary tale and a poignant reminder of the human struggles behind celebrity glamour.
As fans await further statements, one thing is clear: the love story of 2Baba and Annie Idibia, though fractured, will remain a landmark chapter in the annals of Nigerian entertainment history.
