Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has broken his silence on his highly publicized separation from actress Annie Macaulay, bringing closure to a relationship that spanned over two decades and a marriage that lasted nearly 13 years.
Speaking candidly on the 234 Mzansi Podcast, the 49-year-old music icon confirmed that the couple officially parted ways in January 2025. Though he declined to reveal the finer details, 2Baba said both he and Annie made sincere efforts to salvage the marriage.
“I think both of us gave it our best. And why we’re not together today is not something I’m going to talk about publicly,” he said. “Me and her have our own understanding. She’s amazing, it just wasn’t working no more. Something wey una get before wey no dey again, that’s why I said I won’t talk about it here.”
The African Queen crooner emphasized the importance of mental and emotional wellbeing, saying couples shouldn’t feel pressured to remain in unhappy unions just to meet society’s expectations.
“I think you should try to fix your marriage but if it’s beyond that, I don’t think anybody should force anything. Only people in the marriage know exactly what they’re feeling,” he added.
“It’s always good not to torture yourself, and not to allow society or people dictate your feelings. Because this thing called ‘living in bondage’ is real and many people have gone to their grave very sad people.”
2Baba also gave his controversial take on male fidelity. According to him, men are biologically not wired to be sexually exclusive, though he clarified that emotional loyalty and respect can still exist within a committed relationship.
“I’ll speak for myself, but a man is not built to sexually be with one woman. His heart, love, and respect can be with one woman,” he said.
“But sexually, it is impossible for a man. An individual can decide not to go that route but I’m talking about the biology of men. It has gotten so many people into trouble and it’s a simple fact that you need to accept. Because so many heartache and unnecessary stress will be avoided if we understand this simple fact.”
The couple, who tied the knot in May 2012 after years of on-and-off dating and raising children together, were considered one of Nigeria’s most celebrated celebrity unions.
Following the separation, 2Baba is reported to have found love again with Natasha Osawaru, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly. He reportedly proposed to her in February 2025.
Though the news of their split saddened fans, 2Baba’s recent comments paint a picture of two people who chose peace and personal growth over pretense—and perhaps, in his words, refused to live in “bondage.”
