Category: Relationship

  • Why a new dad and his partner are equally important in their child’s life

    Why a new dad and his partner are equally important in their child’s life

    PREGNANCY for Dads-to-be:  Everything you need to know from Conception to Birth is a book currently making waves in the UK.

    Written by Adam Carpenter, it helps expectant and new dads get into the swing of childcare and gives as much as the new mothers – if not more!  According to him, becoming a parent is a life-changing event.

    Alongside mastering the skills of nappy changing, bottle-feeding and settling a crying baby come sleepless nights, money worries and concerns about your baby’s health and development.

    “But while much of the emphasis is on how a mother copes during pregnancy and in the first few months after the baby’s birth, new dads are often left struggling in the background, quietly trying to control their own fears and anxieties.  As a man you may feel a step behind, with more to learn about parenting.

    Here Adam, the author and a father of two, offers advice on how to overcome those new dad nerves.

    Research:   Women are the ones who carry the baby and give birth but that doesn’t give them a head start in being a great parent.  They’re just more likely to have read up on what to do once the baby is born.

    Often, it’s a lack of research on a dad’s part that causes him to worry.  It takes effort to be a good parent and that effort has to begin before the birth.

    Get Organised:  The more you organised before baby’s arrival, the more in control you’ll feel.  Practice kitting out the change bag with nappies, wipes, creams, spare clothes and everything else needed.  This will make it quicker and easier for you to pack the bag when distracted by a baby screaming in the background.  Familiarising yourself with all the kit, including the car seat, will make things less stressful once the baby

    arrives.

    Be a more hands-on-dad:   Offering to share night feeds will give your partner a break and help you to feel closer to your baby.  If your partner is breastfeeding she might want to express milk using a breast pump so you can feed with a bottle.  Bathing your baby and changing their nappy also help you to bond.  After your baby’s birth, make sure to enjoy skin-on-skin contact.  This strengthens the feeling within you to nurture and protect.

    Don’t be a spare part:  The more in control you feel, the less likely you are to feel pushed out by bossier female relatives.  Taking on parenting duties straightaway means you can confidently say: ‘I can do this.’  Never allow yourself to feel like a spare part.  You and your partner are equally the most important people in your child’s life and don’t forget it!

    Find other dads:   Go to parent and baby groups.  You’ll be made to feel welcome and there will probably be other dads there too.  Your local children’s centre should have details.

    Don’t hide your feelings: Many men hide their nerves to avoid appearing ‘weak’.  But feelings of anxiety are intensified once you’re a dad.  Suddenly, you have this little person to support and you don’t want to feel like a failure.  But opening up about your concerns is a sign of strength, not weakness.  Anxiety about finances is one of the top reasons why new dads lose sleep, but remember your baby doesn’t need fancy clothing and expensive equipment to feel happy.  Love is the greatest gift you can give your child, so don’t worry about all the things you can’t afford.  Also remember that when a baby comes along, your priorities shift.  Finances are redirected, as you no longer spend money socialising the way you might have before your baby arrived.

    A Good Waiter Is As Discreet As A Diplomat!

    Two months ago, I had lunch at my favourite restaurant with an old friend.  One of the waiters, a favourite, made a fuss over me … offering me delicacies he knew I was particularly partial to – including the wine, of course!  A couple of days later, I showed up again at the same restaurant with a different guest.

    “Would madam like to wait at her usual corner while I get the table ready?, he asked enthusiastically.  My guest frowned.  When the table was ready, the waiter sat us down with yet more fuss: “I got you your favourite table,” he enthused.  My guest’s frown deepened.  As I ordered, the waiter tempted me with side dishes I usually favoured and my guest wore a long murderous look.

    During lunch, he hovered again wanting to know if I wanted a carafe of my favourite wine or a whole bottle.  That did it!  “Look here man,” fumed my guest, “I’ve had enough of your silly pranks.  Why don’t you go and serve the rest of your clients!”  You can guess which waiter got the smallest tip that day!  Which goes to

    show that there is much more to being a waiter, than keeping a thumb out of the soup.

    According to a seasoned waiter giving tips in a London newspaper, … A waiter is a diplomat who not only knows how to serve food, he stops your girlfriend from bumping into your wife – or your boyfriend from bumping into your husband.  ‘To avoid making a fool of yourself, a good waiter must be an information officer as well as a gourmet”, he said.

    A head waiter welcomed a famous businessman and a lady friend with the words:  …Good afternoon, sir, I am afraid I haven’t a table for you today.”  The angry businessman demanded the reason.  The head waiter leaned forward and whispered: “The reason, sir, is that your wife is here.”  He had mastered the art of diplomacy worth its weight in tips.

    So what makes the perfect waiter?  The best waiters are showmen.  A waiter in action is very much on stage.  And, if you are honest, you’ll admit you enjoy every moment of it.  Most people who eat out love to be pampered.

  • My Jagunmolu at 60, by Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi

    My Jagunmolu at 60, by Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi

    In my class on Nigerian Foreign Policy taught by the late Professor Olajide Aluko, there was a quiet, soft-spoken and very good-looking guy. One day I was reading at the Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, and when I was about to leave, I found out that I did not have my library card on me to take out the books I needed. I looked around to see if there was any one who could help me, and there he was, the shy guy from my class.

    I walked up to him, said hello, and asked him if he had his library card on him and if he could help me take some books out. He nodded and smiled, showing a cute gap in his front teeth. I gave him the list of books I needed and promised to pick up the books from his room later. As I walked away, he called out, ‘please don’t forget to come’. I smiled to myself. Of course I would not forget, they were my books! I went to his room that night to pick up my books. As I was leaving, I asked him if he was free the following evening and if he wanted to watch a movie, he flashed that lovely smile again and said yes. Later on, I discovered that he had no interest in movies. His only interest was me. That is how I met Kayode Fayemi.

    The above excerpt is from my autobiography, ‘Speaking above a Whisper’ (2013). The story about how I met John Olukayode Fayemi at University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) when we were both Post Graduate students is well known. He is still quiet. He is still soft-spoken. He is still quite handsome. He is still awesomely brilliant. The shy gentleman who I met in class in September 1986, has achieved so much and has become one of the most inspiring voices of our generation.

    I knew back then that Kayode Fayemi would be great. How did I know this? He was, and still is, disciplined, focused and serious. He prefers to spend his time poring over The New Yorker, Newsweek or The Economist. Where many look to clubs, pubs, parties and the like to unwind, Kayode is fixated on the news cycles on BBC News, CNN or Al Jazeera. People might wonder, so what does he do to relax? He reads – anything and everything. He debates – the future of Africa, the potential of Nigeria, the new wave of globalisation, the

    failings of the international peace and security architecture, the role of civil society in ensuring the sustainability of democratic gains and so on. When he is done debating, he writes. About all the lessons he has learnt over the years as a scholar, researcher, activist, journalist, politician, community leader, global citizen.

    As we grew together over the years, it never ceased to amaze me, how consistent JK is. When he ventured into politics, his natural reticence was cause for concern to many. Politicians are supposed to be open books, saying what they think, see and feel, since this tends to give their supporters a sense of ownership. JK was a politician who wanted to solve problems affecting his people, not the kind of leader to tell them only what they wanted to hear. JK always believed that as Africans, we deserve the very best, not just what we believe our circumstances or contexts dictate. He is always looking ahead to what is possible, not fixated on what is not achievable in the short-term. Envisioning, strategic thinking, leveraging relationships and partnerships to accomplish goals, have always been JK’s strengths.

    A few years ago, I stopped calling him JK. This is what I have called him since we first met. In political circles, people started calling him JKF, so I began to lose my proprietary rights to his nickname. JK has weathered unbelievable storms, particularly in the political arena. He has battled and won, fought and lost, struggled and triumphed, all these over and over again. He is a warrior, battle tested and always ready. That is why I now call him my Jagunmolu. My warrior.  Disciplined, focused, courageous, loving, supportive, strong, kind, gentle, tough, firm, all the attributes and occasional contradictions to be found in great leaders.

    I have been blessed to have JK as a soulmate and life partner. The career path I decided to take would have been a rough one if I did not have someone like JK as a husband. A young man on Facebook once asked me, ‘How can I find a loving, successful, respectful wife?’. My response was, ‘Are you willing to be a loving,

    successful, respectful husband?’ Why are you looking for what you yourself do not have? There are many men like JK who have supported their spouses and who also believe in a world that is fair and equitable. Such men might not be in the majority, but I know JK has been mentoring many others who also understand the value of true partnerships and not unions based on tyranny.

    Many years ago, when we were both in London, I was on the Africa Committee at the European Union Migrants Forum, which was set up to monitor race relations with the EU. This entailed quarterly meetings in Brussels. I was on one of those trips in December 1992. When I finished the meeting, I went to catch the night ferry from Brussels to Dover, UK.We did not have Eurostar then, that did not happen till 1994. The ferry was supposed to leave at 12am. When we got there at 10pm, there was a notice up that the ferry had been cancelled and the next one was not available till 8am the following morning.

    It was freezing cold, I had come down with a cold, I had a bad headache and I was running a temperature. I was so miserable. I went to a phone booth (we did not have cell phones then) to call JK to let him know. Before I could explain what had happened, I burst into tears. He was so alarmed. When I told him what had happened, he told me not to cry, and that everything would be alright. He asked me to look around and see if there were hotels near the port, and I said yes, there were lots of them. He told me to go to one of them and get some sleep. There was so much love, kindness and empathy in his voice, I have never forgotten the way it made me feel, the comfort, the warmth, the safety, the sense that this is someone I can always depend on. I have never forgotten his voice that night and the way he made me feel. Nothing has changed to this day.

    JK darling, my Jagunmolu,I wish you a Happy 60th Birthday. I thank God Almighty for your life and for his abundant grace over you. Thank you for being a wonderful, loving, husband and father. May you be blessed with many more years in good health and peace of mind. May the mercy of God Almighty be upon you

    always. May He strengthen you and uphold you in all things and in all ways. I love you.

    •Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi is a Gender Specialist, Policy Advocate and Writer. She is the Founder of Abovewhispers.com, an online community for women. She can be reached at BAF@abovewhispers.com

  • Married lovers are more adventurous than single ladies when it comes to having affairs — Reader

    Married lovers are more adventurous than single ladies when it comes to having affairs — Reader

    FROM time to time, I get letters from you readers that are so interesting that I feel I ought to share them with the rest of you.  A few days back, a letter simply signed “Iyabode” popped up on my e-mail and I couldn’t help chuckling to myself as I read it.  She wrote: “Dear Candida, I am one of the regular readers of your articles in The Vanguard every Sunday, and I do not even know how fully I can express my feelings about your articles.

    If I may tell you, they have really improved my lifestyle and I always make copies available to friends whenever the need arises.  Candida, I shall be grateful if you can please help write something one of these days on: Why men of today prefer married women as girlfriends.  Honestly speaking, it is a vogue in town these days.  Please help emphasize on the following points:

    Class:   This set of married women are known for their own class.  Most of them are wives of rich and notorious men.  These men also go out at all times with extremely younger girls, leaving their wives and kids at home, thinking that money can fix everything, forgetting about love and happiness.

    Sex:   This category of ladies are preferred by men because they do have wide sexual experiences and they are very safe as they don’t pester the men for marriage.

    Fashion:  These ladies are very fashion conscious.  They are seen in designer dresses and at beauty parlours.  They do not mind how much they spend on manicures, pedicures and professionally applied make-up all in order to look impeccably groomed.  Not to talk of ridiculously expensive hair extensions.  They are also seen in various body shops where they do expensive keep fit exercises.  This set of ladies have all the time in the world to look after themselves as a result of their rich husbands not staying at home most of the time.  Their main achievement is to dress to kill so that other men could admire them.

    Conclusion:  Most of these ladies do commit adultery mainly to spite their husbands who are noted for their indiscretions.  They (the ladies) have all the time to have fun outside their matrimonial homes whenever their husbands are out hunting.  They just believe in the saying that; what is good for the goose is also good for the gander.

    Advice:  Candida, please advise us all that inasmuch as you are not encouraging this type of attitude amongst us, men must be advised and warned to please do anything they do in the name of fun in moderation because women of today will never allow them (the men) to have their cake and eat it all.   Gone are the days of our mothers when Aro Mental Hospital, Abeokuta, was packed full of female patients who have problems.  Ladies of nowadays are not ready for that kind of ego.  The reverse in fact is now the case.

    Please help expatiate on this subject of married women and their lovers.  And let us for once bring out fright in these our hard-hearted men.”

    After sounding all that warning, dear Iyabode, there is precious little left of the topic for me to expatiate on.  Over the years, and from time to time, I have touched on similar issues but it seems our men are just bent on living on the dangerous fast lane.  As you rightly observed, it takes two to tango.  The women too aren’t exactly as innocent of the offence as you believed.  In fact, they are the bait that keeps men always rushing to the hook.  All we have to do really is cross our fingers.  Who knows, the vogue might die after the novelty wears off – I wish!

    In a second interesting letter, a reader writes on an entirely different topic: “Good men come in many packages”, she writes.  “What I have learnt in my adult years is that the father I knew and love wasn’t necessarily the man my mother initially met.  For example, during the early years of their marriage, my father

    had a slight drinking problem.  But when my mother gave him the ultimatum of choosing between alcohol and his family, he chose the latter.  By the time I came along, the problems was history, and I can barely recall my father even taking a drink socially.

    “Now don’t get me wrong – my mother was in no way telling me to settle down in a hurry.  In fact, ‘You can do that by yourself’ is one of her mantras.  But she was quietly revealing to me how important patience and understanding are of a successful relationship.  If my father was alive today, I have no doubt that my parents would still be happily married.  Surely they had occasional arguments, but those never seemed to last.  Their love always seemed to overcome whatever challenges they faced.

    Though the standard of living today is very difficult from what it was some 30 years ago, when my parents tied the knot, the standard for loving married should never change.  I want what my parents had, and no amount of education or financial stability can guarantee that.  If my soul mate happens to be a university graduate with a big salary, great.  But I no longer have check list to material things my husband-to-be must possess.

    “Of course there are qualities in a husband I cannot compromise on.  I want a God-fearing man who will always have self-respect, respect for me, and strong family values.  ‘I didn’t have my father around when I was growing’ up is a lame excuse for irresponsible, disrespectful behaviour in a relationship.  My dad never knew his biological father, and he was raised by women.  This never stopped him from being a wonderful husband and father…”

  • FoodCo unveils Valentine’s Day promo

    FoodCo unveils Valentine’s Day promo

    FoodCo, a top 5 retailer in Nigeria, has announced the commencement of its 2025 Valentine’s Day promo, themed “Bundle of Love.”

    The promo, which will run from February 12 – 16, 2025 across all of the company’s 22 outlets, will see lucky customers enjoy a luxury dining experience, special discounted meal bundles, and price slashes on numerous items across FoodCo brand stores.

    Speaking on the promo, Ade Sun-Basorun, Managing Director of FoodCo, stated that the Bundle of Love campaign is geared towards enabling FoodCo customers tap into the excitement of the Valentine season to share fun moments and create memorable experiences with their loved ones.

    He said: “The Valentine season is special to us because it offers a unique opportunity for people and brands alike to demonstrate love to others. This year, we are running the Bundle of Love campaign which is a multi-faceted offering designed to connect with the unique needs of our customers at different levels. Some key elements in the bouquet include: Capture the Love social media contest where customers can win N5000 worth of airtime daily, discounted meal bundles such as Padi Bundle for Individuals and Love Bundle for families, and the grand prize of an all-expensive paid dinner for two in the finest hotels in Ibadan, Lagos and Abeokuta. Added to the discounts on numerous items across all FoodCo stores, there’s something special for everyone.

    As a foremost modern retailer in Nigeria, we appreciate the loyalty of our customers over the years and remain committed to exploring memorable experiences to foster stronger ties with them, of which this Valentine season provides a perfect opportunity.

    Established in 1982 as a fresh fruits and vegetable store, FoodCo is a diversified consumer goods company with interests in retail, quick service restaurants, manufacturing and entertainment. The company has been twice listed in the Financial Times annual ranking of Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies. FoodCo is a significant contributor to the economy of South-West Nigeria, providing employment for more than 1300 people and providing critical access-to-market opportunities for the small and medium scale sector.

  • AY Makun condemns AI-generated video of kissing May Edochie

    AY Makun condemns AI-generated video of kissing May Edochie

    Comedian and actor AY Makun has expressed outrage over a doctored video circulating online which falsely depicts him kissing actress May Edochie.

    The manipulated clip, created using Artificial Intelligence (AI), emerged after AY shared footage of himself and May travelling to the UK to promote his latest film, The Waiter.

    Reacting to the controversy on Instagram, the award-winning filmmaker strongly criticised the misuse of AI to spread misinformation and harm others. He questioned why young, talented Nigerians are employing their skills for destructive purposes rather than positive innovation.

    AY also referenced a similar case involving reality star Alex Asogwa who faced online misinformation. He urged youths to channel their AI expertise into uplifting and uniting the country instead of fueling negativity.

    “Nigeria is rich with potential, and your unique skills—be it in art, music, technology, or entrepreneurship—can be pivotal in driving positive change. Instead of using your creativity to undermine those who are working hard to improve their lives and contribute to society, let’s focus on uplifting one another,” he wrote.

    “It’s essential to recognize that every action has consequences. When we choose to sabotage others, we only perpetuate a cycle of negativity and destruction. At what point will we realize that unity and collaboration will yield far greater results than division? The other time, it was the poor @alex_unusual who is yet to come out of all the lies and narratives meted out on her person for choosing to always be a support a family who were a major part of her brand growth. Must you all chase away everyone working with me or trying to earn an honest living through me?”

    He further emphasised the need for unity and collaboration, encouraging people to support each other’s hustles and celebrate achievements.

    Makun and May Edochie are both facing challenges in their personal lives, with reports of turmoil in AY’s 20-year marriage to Mabel and May’s ongoing marital issues with actor Yul Edochie.

  • Why Brazil celebrates Valentine’s Day in June

    Why Brazil celebrates Valentine’s Day in June

    While many countries celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14, Brazil takes a slightly different approach, marking the occasion on a different date and with a unique cultural influence.

    In Brazil, Valentine’s Day is known as Dia dos Namorados, which translates to “Lovers’ Day” or “Boyfriends’ and Girlfriends’ Day.” Although it shares similarities with the American and European traditions—such as exchanging gifts, flowers, and chocolates—it is not associated with Saint Valentine.

    Read also:

    Long-distance relationships: 7 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day

    Instead, Dia dos Namorados is celebrated on June 12, the eve of Saint Anthony’s Day (June 13). Saint Anthony is widely revered in Brazil as a patron of marriage, believed to bless young couples with love and prosperity. To mark the occasion, couples typically enjoy romantic dinners—either at home or in restaurants—and exchange heartfelt tokens of affection.

    But what about singles? There’s no need to feel left out! Many nightclubs, movie theaters, and bars host special events catering to those without a partner, ensuring that everyone has a way to enjoy the day.

    One major reason Brazil does not observe the traditional February 14 Valentine’s Day is that it often coincides with Carnival, one of the country’s biggest and most vibrant festivals. As a result, Brazil has become a popular destination for Western singles looking to escape the Valentine’s Day frenzy.

    So, whether you’re celebrating love with a partner or embracing the festive spirit solo, Brazil’s take on romance offers something for everyone!

  • Long-distance relationships: 7 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day

    Long-distance relationships: 7 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day

    As Valentine’s Day 2025 approaches, people in long-distance relationships can navigate and break every barrier.

    Even if you can’t hold hands or share a meal in person, sending meaningful gifts and planning virtual dates are some of the ways to celebrate the magic of your relationship and make your partner feel cherished.

    Read Also: Valentine’s Day gift ideas below N20,000 for men

    You can also let your actions speak louder than distance and remind your partner that no matter where you are, they’ll always have your heart.

    Here are 7 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day for people who are in long-distance relationships:

    1. Create a video compilation

    You can make the day memorable and show your partner how much you cherish the moment you spent together by making a compilation of pictures and videos you took together when in physical contact. To make it more romantic, you should add a lovely song to the compilation to play in the background and send it to her or him and post it on social media.

    2. Send Surprise Gift

    Thanks to digital technology, the issue of distance as a barrier has been broken with several online vendors all over the world where you can buy gifts and send them to your S.O.’s location and request that they be delivered on Valentine’s Day. Also, with a lot of e-commerce companies on the internet, you can book a spa appointment to make them feel special and know that you still care about them.

    3. Do video call or FaceTime

    Valentine’s Day is a good time to make a video call with your loved one for those in long-distance relationships. This can be done using different social media platforms but just make sure you have credited them enough data before calling so you don’t get any interruption. Be the first person to call them on that day and be sure to have a long romantic chat, perhaps a sex chat if possible.

    4. Sexchat

    If you are the naughty type who is comfortable discussing anything with your S.O., this can work out well for you. Just make sure you get plenty of romantic stickers and pictures to create a good vibe and tell your partner how much you miss them and want to be with them. Sending them a sexy and erotic message will keep the spark burning between you two. A simple “I wish I could kiss you right now,” can be all you need for your partner to know how much you miss them.

    5. Send hand-written notes

    This may sound old-fashioned, but believe me, no text message feels as special as a hand-written note delivered to your S.O. with a request that it should be opened on Valentine’s Day. These hand-written notes will enable you to express your deep feelings in your own way and detail the first time you met, how you felt and how you feel presently. The hand-written notes should be a long epistle with details. This will enable your S.O. to stay glued to your writing and cherish it even more.

    6. Go on a virtual date

    You can visit a beautiful place your partner loves to be or see some beautiful sites in your location on a virtual date. You both can choose to visit a restaurant and eat while on a video call and enjoy your outing. Ensure you get a hands-free device connected to your phone and position your phone in a corner that will capture you as you eat and talk freely. Do not mind what people will say.

    7. Travel to see them

    You should make plans with your partner to visit on Valentine’s Day so you don’t meet obstacles on the day of your visit. Making plans ahead will allow your partner to prepare for your visit.

  • Media personalities Gbemi and Toolz weigh in on 2Baba and Annie’s breakup

    Media personalities Gbemi and Toolz weigh in on 2Baba and Annie’s breakup

    Nigerian media personalities Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi and Tolu “Toolz” Oniru have weighed in on the shocking news of 2Baba and Annie Idibia’s split.

    The couple, who have been together for over a decade, have faced several public controversies, and their breakup has sparked widespread reactions. Gbemi and Toolz took to their YouTube channel, Off Air to share their thoughts on the situation, joining fans and industry colleagues in the ongoing discussion.

    Gbemi said: “It’s not something I’m happy about. We all know they’ve had their ups and downs, but any couple can separate when they choose to. On this season of Young, Famous & African—which airs globally on Netflix—Annie was constantly under attack. They didn’t want her at their events, and she faced backlash from all sides. People have been trolling her relentlessly, criticizing everything from her behavior to her appearance. And just when it seemed like she had enough to deal with, her husband—or soon-to-be ex—ended it all by leaving her.”

    In the same vein Toolz said: ”But was it necessary to do it when she was being dragged online? When it comes to marriage, there is a lot that goes on in people’s marriages.I feel they could have handled it privately. Especially with what was going on with Annie at that point. People get divorced quietly all the time”.

  • I will start charging for dates – The Girl Talker

    I will start charging for dates – The Girl Talker

    Controversial sex therapist and content creator, Ajie Fortune Reuben, popularly known as The Girl Talker, has declared that she will soon start charging men for going on dates with them.

    Speaking as a guest on The Honest Bunch Podcast, The Girl Talker expressed her frustration with men constantly inviting her out for dates without offering any compensation for her time.

    “Going forward, I will have to charge for going on dates because every time they say, ‘Let me take you to dinner’ or ‘Let me take you to lunch,’ I want to get paid to come have lunch with you,” she stated.

    When asked if she has ever had sex with any of her clients, she clarified that all her services are strictly virtual.

    “My clients don’t see me in real life. Everything I do is virtual—my Instagram, Telegram, everything,” she explained.

    Addressing the issue of male hygiene, The Girl Talker made a rather controversial remark, stating that younger men, especially those under 45, tend to be more conscious of their hygiene compared to older men.

    “Many older men are used to not shaving. They are married and, because their partners don’t pressure them to groom themselves, their pubic hair grows unchecked until it eventually stops growing altogether,” she noted.

  • Tuface and Annie: The Love story that crumbled under fame, scandal

    Tuface and Annie: The Love story that crumbled under fame, scandal

    From the very start, Tuface Idibia and Annie Macaulay’s relationship seemed like the stuff of destiny, capturing the hearts of fans across Nigeria and beyond. But over time, it became clear that fame, personal challenges, and unresolved issues would take their toll. Public squabbles, accusations of infidelity, and a complex family dynamic were just some of the pressures that ultimately led to the breakup of one of Nigeria’s most talked-about couples.

    The early dents in their paradise

    When Tuface and Annie Idibia first came together, their love seemed perfect, like a fairytale. But over time, what appeared to be a flawless union slowly crumbled under the weight of unresolved issues, public accusations, and personal betrayals.

    Barely two years and a few months into their marriage, Tuface, also known as 2Baba, was caught on camera kissing his baby mama, Pero Adeniyi.

    Reports at the time claimed that the popular Nigerian superstar was cozying up in the VIP section of his Festac nightclub, Rumours, with the mother of his three kids, Pero Adeniyi.

    Annie was said to have heard about what was happening at the club and decided to confront Tuface about it. She allegedly stormed the club but was diverted by the club’s management into a room where she was told her husband would join her shortly.

    She was reportedly locked in the room for some time, and by the time she was allowed to leave, 2Baba and Pero had already ended their meeting. When Annie went into the room, she was locked in for a while, and by the time she was let out, the fun was over. Pero had left, and Tuface was about to leave.

    Shortly after the incident, Tuface took to his Instagram to address the situation. His post read, “Our love does not have to make sense to you. Please go on with your perfect life and know the true story behind something before you judge and start making nasty comments based on an orchestrated story by some blog. You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.”

    He ended the message by professing his love for Annie, writing, “I love you till I die.”

    Annie also responded, claiming that the ‘incident’ was a temporary distraction and denied going to the club to confront her husband, as the blogs had suggested

    Her statement read, “I am aware of the photos circulating on the internet showing my husband and Pero Adeniyi. I want to state officially that I was not in that space at that time, and therefore, there was no confrontation between myself and Pero Adeniyi. Pero Adeniyi and this momentary indiscretion pose no threat whatsoever to my relationship with my husband. In fact, for the sake of our children, I do encourage cordial relationships with all parties involved. This year, my focus is solely on God, family, and my career, which doesn’t give me the luxury of paying attention to any distractions.”

    Annie interrupts Nigerians’ sleep, Calls Out Her Husband (September 2, 2021)

    In September 2021, Annie startled Nigerians late in the night with several posts on her Instagram. She called out Tuface over his relationship with Pero.

    “I try to stay gracious. You are not the first man on the planet to have kids by different women. You can do better. Everything I do is to show the good human that you are,” she wrote.

    She also criticized his family for not supporting their marriage.

    Annie Threatens to “scatter everything” in Audio (September 8, 2021)

    In an audiotape that went viral on social media, a visibly angry Annie vowed to “scatter everything” after discovering that her husband had traveled out of the country to see Pero.

    This time, she didn’t just call out his family members but also his longtime associate and manager, Efe Omoregbe.

    Annie apologizes publicly (November 13, 2021)

    About two months after airing her family’s dirty laundry, Annie decided to make amends. On her 37th birthday, she issued a public apology to her husband and everyone she had offended. She also apologized to her mother and her husband’s family for dragging them into the public drama.

    Annie breaks down on Reality TV show over 2Face’s infidelity (March 18, 2022)

    On the series Young, Famous and African, Annie expressed her pain over Tuface’s philandering.

    “When you meet someone, get to know them, and then you wake up to find that different women are having babies for him, and he has five kids with other women, while my first child is his fifth, and I met him before everyone,” she said to one of the cast members. She spoke about the many humiliations and embarrassments she had faced.

    Annie’s Brother calls her a drug addict (March 30, 2022)

    Annie’s elder brother, Wisdom Macauley, shared several videos on his Instagram, calling her out. He claimed Annie turned him into a slave and refused to pay him his dues during the period he worked for her. He also accused his sister of being a drug addict and a burden on their family

    Tuface announces divorce (January 26, 2025)

    On the night of January 26, 2025, Tuface released a statement via his Instagram, announcing their separation and impending divorce.

    The musician promised to share more details soon, to tell his side of the story to his beloved fans, who he said deserved to know what had transpired between him and his estranged wife.

    Shortly after, Tuface deleted the post, claiming his account was hacked. But within minutes, he backtracked, posting a video where he confirmed that his account had not been hacked and that the separation and divorce were real.

    The announcement divided his fans and the couple’s supporters on social media, with many trying to figure out who the true victim was.

    Over the following days, Tuface explained on social media that he hadn’t left Annie without reason. He shared a serious confession, stating, “Annie stood by me when I was living my life and having children everywhere, but that doesn’t mean she’s a saint. I stopped cheating on her after the last time I cheated and apologized. I’m a changed man now. I had to forgo my joy—having multiple women—for her out of love. Do you think I just left her for no reason? I am single and searching for True Love again. I know better than destroying Annie’s reputation on social media.”

    Reactions to the breakup

    Let’s choose empathy over drama – Ayo Makun (AY)

    Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, who separated from his wife in 2024, reacted to Tuface’s separation on his X (formerly Twitter) page. He wrote, “Instead of casting blame in broken marriages that you know nothing about, why not focus on the reasons why the institution itself is under attack? No one goes in with a plan to fail. It’s troubling to see online in-laws and blogs reveling in sensationalism, often at the expense of those hurting. Real lives are involved—let’s choose empathy over drama and content. Some of you will never rest until you lead a fellow human to suicide.”

    This is wrong on all levels, says Toke Makinwa to 2Baba

    Toke Makinwa took to Instagram to express her displeasure with Tuface. “This is wrong on all levels, and you should be ashamed of yourself for bringing this here. Bring it on—if you think she’s alone, let me tell you, you’ll have to fight all of us,” she wrote.

    You’ve decided to humiliate her at her lowest – Mary Remmy Njoku

    Nollywood actress and producer Mary Remmy Njoku voiced her support for Annie in an Instagram post on January 27, 2025. She wrote, “Bro, Annie has a family o! Your sisters-in-law are many, and we’ve stayed quiet out of respect for her tough choices. But since you’ve decided to humiliate her at her lowest, no wahala. It’s your choice. Just make sure she’s healthy and okay. Because when the time comes, we’ll have plenty of questions for you!”

    This is disgusting – Ifedayo Agoro

    Ifedayo Agoro, the founder of DANG, criticized Tuface for treating Annie badly over the years and for making the divorce public. “This is disgusting behavior by this man,” he said.