Many things said about 2Baba not true — Mother

Rose Idibia, mother of music star Innocent “2Baba” Idibia, has said several claims made about her son online and in newspapers were not true.

The 51-year-old singer has been at the centre of several controversies since he announced his separation from Annie Macaulay in January 2025 and unveiled Natasha Osawaru, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, as his partner in February 2025.

The controversies included reports of altercations involving him and Natasha, including an incident during an Instagram Live session with Daddy Freeze and another at the opening of the “90s Lounge” in Abuja. Reports also emerged that the singer was arrested in the United Kingdom over an alleged altercation involving the lawmaker.

Speaking in an interview with Vanguard newspaper published on Sunday, Mrs Idibia said she remained aware of the truth despite the attacks and allegations against her son.

According to her, the singer knows himself and understands that the attacks may hurt him, but his knowledge of the truth helps him withstand them.

Mrs Idibia said, “What kept him (2Baba) going is that some of the things that have been published about him in the dailies and online are not true. If people are attacking you from every quarter, but you know yourself, it might hurt you, but because you know the truth, you can weather it. We know the truth about him. He’s my son. I know what he can do, and I know what he cannot do.

“And you know, celebrities of these days, sometimes they don’t just stay and commit sin by themselves. People force them to do so. He has gone through a lot. Lies upon him- newspapers, social media- they come up with all sorts of rubbish. But I thank God because he’s somebody who knows what he wants. And he forged ahead and made it. He may not be super rich, but he made it in music.”

Chosen

2Baba’s mother further said her son had fulfilled his biggest ambition as a singer, to make a name for himself and leave a mark on the music industry.

She said God had continued to stand by her son despite the controversies surrounding him. She noted that many people might have struggled to cope with the criticism and reports 2Baba faced online and in newspapers.

She also described the singer as someone deeply loved by the public. According to her, whenever she accompanied him to events, she often watched as fans crowded around him, hoping to touch him and take photographs with him.

“Whether society takes it or not, he has made it in music. He’s a legend. As far as Nigeria is concerned, 2Baba is a legend. He’s a chosen child. They say the tongue has power. One of his earlier songs said, “Whoever God has made, nobody can curse.” I think he’s living that track to this day. 

“God has already chosen him to be great in music, so all the stones and bullets from all over the place are not touching him as they should. This is because God has already made him great. Nobody can curse whom God has blessed. And like the society you are talking about, ah, he’s loved by the society. I think you noticed his birthday party,” said Mrs Idibia. 

Career 

Mrs Idibia, a retired teacher, said the family had initially envisioned careers in law, medicine or engineering for 2Baba, despite having a premonition that he might become a musician.

She said his dedication to music eventually convinced them to let go of their plans and encourage him to pursue his passion.

READ ALSO: Natasha Osawaru shares new photo of son with 2Baba amid marital crisis

“When he chose a music path, our eyes were already opened. We saw potential in him that he might do better in music. As a teacher then, though retired now, we always encourage children to pursue their passion. 

“If you don’t allow children to pursue their interests, you will kill the interest, and they will not do well in the other field you are pushing them to pursue. So when we saw the potential of being a good musician in him, we gave up. We allowed him to pursue it.”

Mrs Idibia said she always felt elated whenever she listened to her son’s songs, adding that his music reminded her of his exceptional talent.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that 2Baba began his music career in 1996, composing and singing jingles at the GB Fan Club at Enugu State Broadcasting Services (ESBS).

He later moved to Lagos and formed the legendary Plantashun Boiz, alongside Blackface and Faze, his secondary school classmate.

Under Nelson Brown’s Dove Records, Plantashun Boiz released Body and Soul in 2000 and Sold Out in 2003. The group broke up in 2004, prompting 2Baba to return to his solo career.