2Baba’s Declaration Of Love For Natasha: Not A Joke, Because He’s Nigerian (OPINION)

By Isaac Asabor

At the newspaper vendor’s stand this morning at Ogba bus stop in Lagos, where I usually stop by on my way to the office, a lively debate was in full swing. The topic? 2Baba’s recent declaration of love for Honourable Natasha Osawaru. Among the free readers, those who devour headlines and front-page stories without parting with a naira, opinions were as varied as they were animated.

One thing, however, stood out from the discussion: if 2Baba were a European or an American, his declaration would have been dismissed as mere words, an offhand remark. But in Nigeria, when a man declares his love, it is real, serious, and often comes with a follow-up wedding or at least some traditional rites.

Aptly put, it is a love declaration Nigerians cannot ignore, particularly as it concerns 2Baba given his reputation in the nuptial sector of human endeavor, so to say.

In a video shared on Instagram, 2Baba set the internet ablaze with his words: “Yes, I love her. I want to marry her.” While he attempted to clear Natasha’s name from accusations of being a home-breaker, his statement did the opposite. Nigerians, well-versed in the meaning behind such proclamations, immediately knew this was more than just friendly admiration.

If 2Baba had merely said, “She’s an amazing woman,” and left it at that, perhaps it wouldn’t have been a big deal. But adding “I love her” and “I want to marry her”? That’s an entirely different ball game.

In our clime, love confessions from men, especially celebrities, are rarely platonic. We don’t say things just for effect. Unlike in Hollywood where actors say “I love you” to co-stars, journalists, and even their coffee vendors without consequence, in Nigeria, such a statement carries weight.

The reason for the foregoing views cannot be farfetched as 2Baba’s romantic history lends credence to his words.  This is, after all, 2Baba, the legendary African Queen crooner, whose romantic history is well-documented. We are talking about a man who has built a reputation for having an undeniable charm and a deep connection with women.

Before settling down with Annie Idibia in 2012, 2Baba, formerly known as 2Face, had already fathered children with multiple women. His relationships with Pero Adeniyi and Sumbo Ajaba Adeoye, both of whom bore him children, were widely publicized. At a time, the speculation was that he might end up marrying one of them, given how strong his ties with them were. However, when he eventually chose Annie, it seemed as though he had finally turned a new leaf, pledging loyalty and commitment to the woman he described as his true love.

But loyalty in 2Baba’s world appears to be fluid. Even after marrying Annie, rumors of extramarital affairs continued to swirl. Over the years, he has been caught in several controversies, some stemming from unconfirmed reports of secret relationships and potential love interests.

With this history in mind, his recent declaration of love for Natasha Osawaru does not seem random. Nigerians have learned to read between the lines when it comes to him and his words regarding women. They understand that his declarations are often precursors to something more significant.

In fact, from the Nigerian context, words have deep implications. This is as words are not just words. A man does not publicly declare his love for a woman and expect nothing to follow. Our cultural and traditional structures do not support flippant romantic declarations. When a man says “I love you” publicly, especially in the presence of elders or influential figures, he is staking a claim. It is a prelude to something bigger.

Had 2Baba been an American, tabloids might have dismissed his words as mere showbiz banter. After all, in Western celebrity culture, stars declare their love for colleagues, brands, and even inanimate objects like pizza or their pets. But in Nigeria, public love declarations are hardly ever for show. They are announcements.

At this juncture, it is expedient to ask, “What next for 2Baba, Natasha, and Annie?” The answer to the foregoing question cannot be farfetched as the reactions to 2Baba’s confession were swift and divided. Some believe he is merely being honest about his affections and should be commended for his transparency. Others argue that he is being reckless and insensitive, especially considering his ongoing divorce from Annie.

For Annie, who has endured years of public scrutiny over her husband’s romantic escapades, this latest episode must be exhausting. While she has not directly responded to the latest controversy, Nigerians are watching closely.

As for Natasha, a 31-year-old politician and lawyer, her political career might have just received an unexpected boost or distraction, depending on how one sees it. The daughter of Desmond and Philomina Osawaru and granddaughter of billionaire Gabriel Igbinedion, Natasha is no stranger to the spotlight. However, the kind of attention she is currently receiving is unprecedented.

If history is any indication, this is only the beginning. Nigerians love a good love story, and when it involves one of our biggest music icons and a rising political star, the intrigue only deepens.

Not only are 2Baba’s fans divided on his latest declaration, with some seeing him as a romantic who cannot control his emotions, others view him as a man who struggles with commitment. His career and public persona have been heavily tied to his love life, making him one of Nigeria’s most discussed musicians outside of music itself.

It is important to remember that his reputation precedes him. This is the same man who once told the world he had finally settled with Annie, only for fresh controversies to emerge every few years. His charisma, talent, and charm make him a magnet for admiration, but his inability to stay out of romantic drama continues to define his public image.

So, when he declares his love for Natasha, Nigerians cannot take it lightly. If past events are anything to go by, this could be the start of another chapter in 2Baba’s already storied romantic history. Whether this is mere talk or the beginning of a real commitment remains to be seen.

In fact, 2Baba’s declaration should not be taken with a pinch of salt. If there is one thing we know about Nigerian men, particularly one with his history, it is that they mean what they say when it comes to love. And if a Nigerian man tells the world he loves a woman and wants to marry her, expect to see wedding bells sooner or later.

For now, Nigerians will continue dissecting his words, waiting for the next twist in this unfolding drama. But one thing is certain, this love confession is not just talk. Because in Nigeria, when a man declares his love publicly, he is making a statement of intent.