LAGOS, Nigeria – Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has announced his separation from his wife of over a decade, Annie Idibia, sending shockwaves across social media and sparking widespread reactions.
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, the 49-year-old Afrobeat legend took to Instagram to reveal that the couple, who have been married since 2013, have been separated for some time and are now in the process of divorcing.
“Annie Macaulay and I have been separated for a while now and have currently filed for divorce,” 2Baba wrote in the now-deleted post.
The singer promised to issue a formal statement to provide clarity, citing his love for his fans as the reason for his transparency.
“I will grant a press release soon to tell my story—not because anyone has the 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 added.
Confusion and Contradictions
Following the announcement, 2Baba posted a contradictory update, claiming his Instagram account had been hacked.
“My Instagram has been hacked; we are working to take back control. #OneLove,” he wrote.
However, hours later, he shared a video clarifying that his earlier post was genuine.
“Hey, my people, nobody hacked my account. I said what I said. I come in peace,” the singer stated.
As of Monday morning, 27 January, most posts on 2Baba’s Instagram account, including photos of him and Annie, had been deleted.
A Nation Divided
The announcement has polarised fans and celebrities alike. Some expressed hope for reconciliation, while others suggested that the separation was long overdue.
Prominent figures such as media personality Toke Makinwa and actress Mary Njoku have commented on the matter, while fans on social media remain divided, with debates centring on accountability and the challenges of marriage in the public eye.
Annie Idibia, who recently gained attention for her role in the Netflix series Young, Famous and African, has not publicly responded to the news.
On the show, she spoke candidly about personal struggles, including a miscarriage last year that led to the loss of twins.
A Love Story with Challenges
2Baba and Annie’s relationship began in 1999 as a friendship that blossomed into love. Annie gained prominence after featuring in the music video for African Queen, 2Baba’s iconic hit song, in 2004.
The couple welcomed their first daughter, Isabella, in 2008. In 2012, 2Baba proposed to Annie on Valentine’s Day, and they held a private wedding later that year.
Their grand white wedding in Dubai in 2013 was a landmark event, followed by the birth of their second daughter, Olivia, in 2014.
However, their marriage has faced public scrutiny, particularly due to 2Baba’s past relationships.
The singer has three children with Pero Adeniyi and two with Sumbo Adeoye, both of whom predate his marriage to Annie.
Despite these challenges, the couple renewed their vows in 2022 to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary.
The Legacy of 2Baba
Born in Jos, Plateau State, Innocent Idibia, or 2Baba, is regarded as one of the most influential Afrobeat artists in history.
His solo debut album, Face 2 Face, released in 2004, cemented his reputation as a leading figure in the Nigerian music industry.
Over the years, he has received numerous accolades, including the MTV Europe Music Award and the BET Award.
Annie Idibia’s Journey
Annie Macaulay Idibia, a Nollywood actress and model, gained widespread recognition through her appearance in the African Queen music video.
She launched her acting career after participating in the reality show Next Movie Star in 2004.
She has since featured in several films and television series and is currently part of the cast of the popular reality show Young, Famous and African.
Public Reactions
The announcement has gripped the nation, as 2Baba and Annie were widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most admired celebrity couples.
For many, the news represents the pressures and complexities of high-profile marriages.
While some fans remain optimistic about a potential reconciliation, others see the separation as a natural conclusion to a union that has weathered numerous storms.
As fans and supporters await further clarification from the singer, the story of 2Baba and Annie continues to unfold, reflecting both the highs and the challenges of their shared journey in the spotlight.
