Renowned Nigerian journalist and broadcaster, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, has emphasized the importance of self-reliance for women in relationships while reacting to the marital crisis between Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, and his wife, Annie Idibia.
Speaking on her show, Real Talk With Kike, Atanda-Owo delved into the intricate dynamics of love, sacrifice, and self-worth in relationships, urging women to prioritize their personal well-being over societal expectations.
Gists9ja reports that Atanda-Owo, who is married to fellow journalist Reuben Abati, questioned Annie Idibia’s decision to remain in the marriage despite multiple warning signs. She acknowledged Annie’s deep commitment to love but stressed that emotional and mental well-being should take precedence in any relationship.
“The foundation of a relationship often determines its future. Annie stood by 2Baba throughout his rising music career, remained with him despite his affairs, and even after he had children with other women. She tolerated his continued interactions with his baby mama. Love isn’t a crime, but women need to start valuing themselves above their partners in relationships,” Atanda-Owo stated.
She further pointed out the double standards in relationships, arguing that many men would struggle to endure what Annie had put up with. “If the roles were reversed, if a man even saw another man touch his wife’s waist, some marriages would collapse instantly,” she remarked.
While addressing the controversy, Atanda-Owo commended 2Baba’s restraint in handling the situation, praising him for keeping their private matters off social media.
“We don’t know the full story or what he’s going through internally, but one thing I respect about him is his composure. He hasn’t rushed to social media to air their personal issues, which is a sign of maturity—despite being the root cause of these problems,” she noted.
The journalist also criticized the toxic culture of online judgment, condemning how social media has turned the couple’s struggles into a source of entertainment.
“People are quick to cast blame, criticize, and even curse without knowing the full details. Social media has made their pain a spectacle. What happened to hearing directly from those involved before fueling online frenzy?” she questioned.
Drawing lessons from the situation, Atanda-Owo emphasized the need to educate young women about self-worth and independence in relationships.
“We must protect the next generation by teaching them that self-love and self-development should come first. A woman or a man does not need marriage to validate their existence. Tuface and Annie are not the first and won’t be the last to go through a divorce. Sometimes, separation is the start of a better life. What truly matters is growth, healing, and inner peace,” she concluded.
