Veteran Nigerian musician Friday Igweh, popularly known as Baba Fryo, has shared his perspective on the highly publicized collapse of the marriage between music legend Innocent Idibia (2Baba) and his estranged wife, Annie Macaulay-Idibia. According to him, their mutual involvement in the entertainment industry significantly contributed to the strain that ultimately ended their union.
Speaking candidly on the Honest Bunch podcast, Baba Fryo offered his insights in Pidgin English, using his own understanding of traditional roles and cultural expectations in marriage to analyze what went wrong.
Entertainment Careers, Similar Habits, and Marital Incompatibility
Baba Fryo explained that when both partners in a relationship operate within the same demanding and often chaotic industry—especially the entertainment sector—it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain stability at home. He emphasized that success in a marriage requires balance, and in his view, this balance is typically upheld by the woman.
“2Face and his wife, the two of them no manage themselves well,” Fryo remarked. “Dem be entertainers. Annie na actress, and 2Face na musician. That kind marriage dey hard if both people no sabi control themselves.”
He argued that a supportive and stabilizing partner, particularly one who can counterbalance her spouse’s flaws or excesses, is essential in any union. But when both individuals exhibit the same high-risk behaviors, such as drinking or late-night partying, the structure of the marriage can quickly deteriorate.
Fryo elaborated, saying, “If man dey drink, e go make sense say the woman dey observe am. If e drink too much, she go fit caution am. But if the woman too dey drink, who go carry who go house?”
The Dangers of Insecurity and Emotional Drift
He further noted that marital insecurity often emerges when a man perceives his wife as exhibiting the same carefree habits he initially sought to escape or control. This insecurity, Fryo said, can lead men to seek out partners who offer a contrast in behavior, especially if those women exhibit what they perceive as nurturing, calm, or modest traits.
“Insecurity go enter when man dey see say him wife no dey give am peace of mind,” Fryo stated. “If him see another woman wey dey act different, e go dey tempted.”
While Baba Fryo acknowledged that this pattern of behavior is not ideal, he insisted that such emotional shifts happen frequently in marriages where mutual indulgence replaces balance and support.
Revealing a Personal Connection to 2Baba’s Alleged New Partner
In an unexpected twist, Baba Fryo claimed to have a personal history with 2Baba’s current partner, Natasha, describing her as someone he has known since childhood. According to him, he once carried Natasha on his lap when she was only three years old, indicating that she has been part of his life for a very long time.
“I know Natasha, the girl 2Face dey with now,” he said. “I carry am for lap when she be small pikin. I know her since when she dey three years old.”
Although he did not disclose further details about Natasha or the nature of her current relationship with 2Baba, Fryo’s revelation adds a layer of complexity to an already emotionally charged situation.
Timeline of the Idibia Marriage and Separation
The once-admired marriage between 2Baba and Annie Macaulay-Idibia officially ended after months of speculation and rumors. On January 26, 2025, 2Baba publicly confirmed via Instagram that they had been living separately and were actively in the process of filing for divorce. His post expressed respect for their shared history while signaling a clear end to the relationship.
Shortly afterward, Annie also released her own statement, confirming the separation and acknowledging that divorce proceedings were already underway. She appealed for privacy and asked the public to respect their family during the transition.
Public Reaction and Lessons from the Split
The high-profile nature of their separation drew significant media attention, especially given their long and complicated history, which included public declarations of love, previous disputes, and reconciliations. Many fans viewed them as one of Nigeria’s most iconic celebrity couples, and the news of their divorce sparked widespread debate about the pressures of fame, fidelity, and emotional labor within marriages.
Baba Fryo’s comments have since added fuel to that conversation. While some social media users applauded his honesty and traditional perspective, others criticized his remarks as overly simplistic or outdated.
Still, the veteran singer maintained that the entertainment lifestyle can be toxic to relationships if not properly managed. He argued that both partners need to actively resist the distractions and temptations that come with fame and should work hard to build a home that prioritizes peace, respect, and shared responsibilities.
Moving Forward: Can Fame and Family Coexist?
The collapse of 2Baba and Annie’s marriage continues to raise important questions about the sustainability of celebrity unions. Can two high-profile entertainers maintain a healthy marriage in the face of relentless public scrutiny, demanding schedules, and industry temptations?
Baba Fryo believes it is possible—but only with strong mutual understanding, personal discipline, and distinct roles that provide emotional balance within the relationship.
He concluded the podcast by calling on younger artists and public figures to learn from the Idibia experience and prioritize their homes above social status or industry expectations.
Final Thoughts
As fans and critics digest Baba Fryo’s controversial but heartfelt reflections, one thing remains clear: the challenges of balancing fame and family are real. While love may draw two stars together, it takes more than shared passion to sustain a marriage. Without careful management, even the brightest relationships in the limelight can dim over time.
Baba Fryo’s words—though rooted in tradition—offer a cautionary tale for today’s entertainment elite. In the end, fame may bring fortune, but only wisdom and humility can build a lasting home.
