Singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, announced his separation from actress Annie Macaulay on Sunday, marking a heartbreaking turn in a relationship that began decades ago at a music studio in Lagos.
Their friendship, which began when Annie was just 15 years old, blossomed into one of Nigeria’s most iconic love stories.
Annie first met 2Baba at Even Ezra Music Studio, and according to her, it was love at first sight. “I think there was some electricity that second,” she once said.
“The moment our eyes met at Even Ezra Studios many years ago, I knew you were the one for me and I for you. Innocent is an extraordinary being. It really seems like yesterday, (can’t believe he is 40 already). He was 24 and I was 15. And I still see the same man when I look at him. So full of life.”
Their bond grew stronger as friends before officially dating by the time the “African Queen” video was shot in 2004. Annie shared one of her fondest memories from their early days in the February 2013 issue of TW Magazine.
“I remember my 16th birthday at Alpha Beach, with me and my friends. When we were going home, we all walked to the bus stop with him and his cousin. Plantashun Boiz had just recorded ‘Knock Me Off’ at the time, so he wasn’t a star yet.
“So we got into the bus, he sat in front with his cousin, so when we wanted to pay the conductor, he said, ‘no, he done pay already.’ I was feeling like a babe. ‘Hey! My boyfriend paid everybody’s bus fare.’ And that time, bus was like N2.50k or N3 per person for about 14 people. But he told me recently that he didn’t eat that night because he paid for everyone.”
Despite their deep connection, their relationship faced significant challenges. Annie was hurt when news broke that 2Baba had fathered children with two different women—Pero Adeniyi and Sumbo Ajala—during their relationship.
This led to a breakup, and their longest separation lasted nearly a year and a half after Pero and Sumbo both became pregnant again.
As Annie once said, “Love will always find a way.” The couple reconciled and in 2008, Annie gave birth to their daughter, Isabel. In 2012, Pero gave birth to 2Baba’s sixth child in the United States.
Pero’s relationship with 2Baba caused ongoing tension between her and Annie. Their rift escalated in 2015 when photos of 2Baba kissing Pero at his nightclub surfaced online, sparking heated exchanges between the two women on social media.
Despite the drama, 2Baba and Annie solidified their bond with a lavish wedding ceremony in Dubai on March 23, 2013. Annie frequently celebrated their relationship, marking milestones with heartfelt tributes.
Earlier this month, she reflected on their 25-year friendship and 13-year marriage in an Instagram post, sharing clips of their “Detty December moments” and expressing gratitude for their bond.
“Even the devil and witches/wizards should give up,” Annie declared, acknowledging the ups and downs they had faced together.
However, the fairytale appears to have come to an end. 2Baba confirmed their separation in a statement addressed to his fans.
“Hello to my beautiful people of all Federations. Well, this thing I have to say is short but also long. I and Annie Macaulay have been separated for a while now and currently filed divorce.
“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 offense. Stay blessed my people. I love you all,” he wrote.
This revelation has left fans in shock, especially as the couple celebrated their wedding anniversary just weeks before.
Annie had dismissed breakup rumors at the time, posting emotional tributes and sharing photos from their celebration.
