Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has announced his separation from his wife, actress Annie Idibia, sparking widespread reactions across social media and from fellow celebrities. The singer’s public confirmation of the split has led to mixed responses, with many criticizing his decision to handle the matter so publicly while others expressed support.
The announcement was first made on 2Baba’s Instagram story, where he revealed the separation and the couple’s ongoing divorce process. This followed an earlier post where the singer claimed his Instagram account had been hacked. However, in subsequent videos, 2Baba admitted that the earlier claim of hacking was untrue and that his statements were deliberate.
2Baba’s Statement on the Separation
In his initial post, the musician wrote, “I and Annie Macaulay have been separated for a while now, and currently filing for divorce.” The announcement was soon followed by another post where 2Baba claimed his account had been hacked, writing, “My Instagram account has been hacked, efforts are being carried out to take back control. #onelove!”
However, in a later video, the singer clarified the situation, stating, “Yo, my people man, nobody hacked my account. Nah me talk weytin I wan talk. You understand? I come in peace.” He further added that he would issue a press release to explain his side of the story, noting that while his private life is nobody’s business, he feels the need to share the truth out of love for his fans.
“I would grant a press release soon to say my story. Not because it is anyone’s right to know about my personal life but because I love my people and I need them to know my innocence or offence. Stay blessed my people. I love you all,” he stated.
Celebrities and Social Media React
Following the announcement, celebrities and social media users criticized 2Baba’s decision to make such a sensitive issue public. Many expressed disappointment in the musician’s actions, highlighting the potential emotional toll on Annie and their family.
TV personality Toke Makinwa called out 2Baba for his actions, stating, “This is wrong on all levels, you should be ashamed for bringing this here. Bring it on, if you think she is alone; let me tell you here that you will have to fight us all.”
Makinwa further noted the importance of women taking a stand against wrongdoing. “If you sit on the fence on this one, if it misses, it will touch your daughter or any female in your family. No one is innocent, and if you want to bring the media into it knowing what is happening, we will fight for her. Timing is everything. Empathy is everything. You constantly preach love, and you cannot add to the narrative that’s out there when you know what is happening behind closed doors.”
Nollywood actress Mary Remmy Njoku also criticized 2Baba’s approach, stating, “Bro, Annie has a family o! Your sisters-in-law are many, and we’ve stayed quiet out of respect for her tough choices, but since you’ve decided to humiliate her at her lowest, no wahala. Just make sure she’s healthy and okay. Because when the time comes, we’ll have plenty of questions for you!”
Similarly, actress Uche Elendu expressed disappointment, saying, “I am so disappointed at this betrayal and insensitive public announcement from 2Baba. At a time like this, love does not count errors. The public does not need this information; you are too big for public validation. Annie left her life for the man she loved, but love has failed her. It is well.”
Big Brother Naija star Nina Ivy also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of respect and privacy in relationships. “Ladies, you deserve peace and respect in a relationship. Being with someone who values your well-being, supports you privately and publicly, and nurtures your mental health is essential. A man who seeks public validation or uses your vulnerabilities against you shows a lack of emotional maturity and empathy,” she wrote.
Criticism of Publicizing Marital Issues
Many critics focused on the timing and method of 2Baba’s announcement, arguing that bringing the issue to social media was inappropriate. Some noted that the situation could have been handled privately, particularly given the emotional and public nature of Annie’s past support for her husband.
Makinwa emphasized that while leaving an unhealthy relationship is justified, publicizing the matter during such a sensitive time was unnecessary and hurtful. “Nobody is asking anybody to stay in a situation that’s not serving them any purpose anymore. By all means, leave if you must, but why bring this online at this very moment?”
Support for Annie Idibia
Several public figures and fans rallied behind Annie, praising her resilience and expressing solidarity. Many noted her years of unwavering support for 2Baba despite challenges in their marriage. The actress has often been vocal about her love for her husband, making the news of their separation even more heartbreaking for her supporters.
2Baba’s Silence on Further Details
As of now, 2Baba’s management team has not issued an official statement regarding the separation, and efforts to reach them have been unsuccessful. The musician’s vague remarks about sharing his side of the story in due course have left fans and critics awaiting further clarification.
Conclusion
The separation of 2Baba and Annie Idibia has sparked widespread discussions about respect, loyalty, and privacy in relationships. While the musician’s public handling of the matter has drawn criticism, the situation also highlights the emotional complexities of marital challenges.
For now, the public awaits further developments as both 2Baba and Annie navigate this difficult time. The reactions from celebrities and social media users underscore the importance of empathy, privacy, and responsible communication in handling sensitive personal issues.
