Legendary singer Innocent Idibia, popularly called 2Baba, has clarified the long-standing rumors and public perception about his personal life, noting that he is not a womanizer but someone who loves women.
2Baba clarified this in an interview with Voice of Nigeria published on Wednesday, in which he discussed love, stardom, fatherhood, family, marriage, and the challenges of public scrutiny.
“The biggest misconception about me is that I’m a womanizer. I like women; I’m just straightforward. But I’m a lover boy. I love hard,” 2Baba said.
Reflecting on parenting, the iconic singer acknowledged that one of his most difficult personal challenges has been finding a balance between his music profession and raising his children.
He stated that while he is grateful for having eight children, he regrets not being able to spend more time with them. However, he described his children as a constant source of pride and happiness in his life.
The award-winning musician said, “I have eight kids now. I feel blessed and happy, but the sadness comes from the fact that I haven’t gotten to spend the type of time I should have spent with them collectively. It does something to me sometimes.
“They’re amazing, brilliant people. I just wish I was there more. It touches me from all corners.”
The ‘African Queen’ crooner also addressed criticism directed at his wife, Natasha, particularly claims that she exerts control or significantly influences his decisions. He describes such narratives as often far from reality.
“Everybody has a say in everybody’s business now. Sometimes people say very nasty things.
“You grow thick skin, but sometimes it gets to you. Reality is reality; she’s a brilliant woman, a strong woman,” he said.
2Baba also revealed that, despite his public demeanor and appearances on some of the world’s largest stages, he is inherently bashful. He noted that his job often asks him to leave his comfort zone.
“My profession doesn’t permit me to be shy, but I’m actually a very shy person.
“Sometimes I just want to be alone and chill. Other times I want to hang out. I like nature; I have my moments,” he added.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Anthony Odiong: Nigerian Catholic priest sentenced to life in prison over sexual assault")
