By Michael Damilola
From lovers to separation, the love story of Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, and Annie Macaulay Idibia remains one of the most captivating tales in Nigerian entertainment. The couple, who were once admired as a symbol of love and commitment, saw their fairy-tale romance come to a dramatic and heartbreaking end after more than a decade of marriage.
2Baba, a member of the defunct music group Plantashun Boiz, was already a household name in the Nigerian music industry when he met Annie Macaulay, a rising model, in the early 2000s.
Despite their age difference and 2Baba’s existing relationships, their connection was undeniable. In 2004, Annie featured prominently in his iconic music videos, such as “African Queen” and “Nfana Ibaga (No Problem).” These appearances catapulted her into the limelight, and she later shared that meeting 2Baba changed her life.
Reflecting on their early days, she revealed, “Nineteen years ago (as of 2022), while still struggling to find my feet in the modelling industry, my then-boyfriend, who had just broken away from a boy band group, asked me to star in his new song, ‘African Queen.’”
Their love blossomed, and in 2008, before they were officially married, they welcomed their first child, Isabel Idibia. Their traditional wedding ceremony was held in Annie’s hometown in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, followed by an elegant white wedding in Dubai on March 23, 2013. In 2014, they celebrated the arrival of their second daughter, Olivia Idibia.
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Despite their deep connection, their relationship was not without its challenges. Even before their marriage, 2Baba had fathered five children with two other women. With Sumbo Adeoye, he had two sons, Nino Idibia (born in 2006) and Zion Idibia (born in 2008). With Pero Adeniyi, he had three children: Ehi Idibia (born in 2006), Justin Idibia (born in 2012), and Innocent Idibia Jr. (born in 2013).
Annie’s love and commitment to 2Baba were tested by these complexities, and although they professed their love repeatedly, the dynamics of co-parenting and public scrutiny added significant strain.
The marriage faced public drama in 2015 when Pero Adeniyi accused Annie of being violent and aggressive. Annie, in turn, alleged that 2Baba maintained a romantic relationship with Pero under the pretence of co-parenting. She claimed his family never fully accepted her and accused him of being too lenient with his exes.
In a widely shared post, she expressed her frustration, writing, “What kind of man takes his kids to Disneyland and spends nights in the same apartment with their mother? Your baby mamas constantly use your children as an excuse for all sorts of rubbish. You can do better. Everything I do is to show the good human that you are, but today, this move by you, Efe, Frankie, and your family is unacceptable.”
In 2019, the conflict escalated when 2Baba’s brother, Charles Idibia, accused Annie of being manipulative and the source of tension within their family. These allegations further deepened the cracks in their marriage, leaving fans divided over who to support.
The final blow came in January 2025 when 2Baba announced their separation on social media. While he promised to provide a detailed statement explaining the reasons for their divorce, the news left fans in shock and disappointment. Reports soon emerged that Annie had been admitted to a rehabilitation centre following the separation.
In an emotional disclosure from the reality series “Young, Famous, and African,” Annie shared the pain of a miscarriage in 2024, where she lost twins. “I was pregnant with twins, but I had a miscarriage. It was hard. I wasn’t even sure if I could share this with any of my friends,” she said. She revealed that only 2Baba and her mother knew about the loss, as she found it difficult to share such a deeply personal tragedy with others.
The story of Annie and 2Baba Idibia is a poignant reminder of the complexities of love, fame, and family. From their fairy-tale beginnings to their painful separation, their journey highlights the challenges that come with navigating relationships in the public eye. Though their romance captivated the hearts of many, it also served as a cautionary tale about the pressures and sacrifices that accompany life in the spotlight.
