It has become a relentless parade of social embarrassment and public disgrace. Time and again, Nigerian celebrities – actors, musicians, and social media influencers – have proven themselves incapable of managing the fame and privilege they have been afforded. Instead of using their platforms to inspire and uplift, they routinely descend into the depths of public debasement, turning private matters into fodder for gossip and setting horrendous examples for their fans and families. It is a sad day when the lives of those who should be celebrated for their talent, creativity, and achievements instead become objects of public ridicule and social media hashtags. Nigerian movie stars and entertainers, once held as role models and cultural ambassadors, are increasingly allowing their private lives to devolve into public spectacles of shame, bitterness, and rancor. To these Nigerian celebrities, we say enough is enough. Your actions are disgraceful, your excuses are hollow, and your lack of accountability is shameful.
The ongoing drama surrounding Innocent “2Baba” and Annie Idibia’s marriage is the latest in a string of highly publicized celebrity divorces that lay bare not just the frailties of human relationships but a disturbing trend of public spats that prioritize drama over dignity. The very public unraveling of their marriage, complete with Instagram confessions, bitter accusations and counter-accusations, and shameless spectacles, is yet another chapter in a growing book of shame, which reveals a gross lack of maturity and respect – not just for each other but also for the children whose lives are inevitably caught in the crossfire. What should have been a private matter resolved with dignity has become yet another soap opera played out in the court of public opinion, that captured headlines for all the wrong reasons, leaving behind a trail of embarrassment, and collateral damage, most painfully borne by their children.
But the Idibias are not the exception – they are part of an alarming trend. The list of celebrity marriages that have crumbled under the weight of fame, ego, and irresponsibility reads like a who’s who of Nollywood and Nigerian entertainment. From Tonto Dikeh’s fiery 2017 social media rants against her ex-husband Olakunle Churchill to Tiwa Savage and Teebillz’s infamous showdown, and public war of words during their scandalous breakup in 2016; Nigerian celebrities have repeatedly shown that they are more invested in entertaining the public with their drama than in protecting the sanctity of their families. Even Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz, once celebrated for their seemingly happy union, ended their marriage in 2022, in a media circus that left their twin boys as unwilling spectators to their parents’ failure.
It gets worse. Recall the dramatic meltdown of Chacha Eke, who posted tearful videos accusing her husband, Austin Faani, of domestic abuse, only to later retract her statements amidst public confusion. Or consider the toxic accusations between Femi Fani-Kayode and Precious Chikwendu, whose messy divorce in 2020, involved allegations of violence, custody battles, and public mudslinging. These are not just personal failings – they are public embarrassments that tarnish the cultural fabric and mock the sanctity of the Nigerian family. What about IK Ogbonna and his Colombian wife, Sonia Morales, whose marriage crumbled in 2019, under a cloud of Instagram shade? Or Adeniyi Johnson and Toyin Abraham’s bitter split, rife with allegations of infidelity that played out in the tabloids in 2015? Time and again, these so-called stars prove that they lack the emotional intelligence to manage conflict or the basic decency to shield their families from humiliation.
Let us not mince words: these public meltdowns are an act of violence against the children involved. What kind of parent drags their offspring into the toxic spotlight of public scrutiny? What sort of example does it set when adults who should be custodians of dignity and decorum instead choose to air their dirty laundry on social media? Imagine the pain of children like Tonton Dikeh’s son, King Andre, who must grow up witnessing his parents trade insults online, or Tiwa Savage’s son, Jamil, whose family drama became the subject of internet memes. What happens to a child’s sense of self-worth when their parents’ failings become the subject of trending hashtags? How does a child cope when their father’s infidelity or their mother’s accusations of domestic violence are dissected and debated by millions of strangers? These children deserve better than to grow up in the shadow of their parents’ public animosities. Children are not props to be dragged into adult disputes or bargaining chips in the court of public opinion. They deserve parents who understand that their first duty is to protect, not to entertain the masses with their dysfunction.
This isn’t just disappointing; it is dangerous. Celebrity culture wields enormous influence in shaping societal values and behaviors. When public figures normalize airing their dirty linen in public, they send a toxic message: that conflict, disrespect, and a lack of decorum are acceptable ways to handle private matters. Worse still, they undermine the notion of family as a safe haven, exposing children to ridicule, psychological trauma, and a warped understanding of relationships. The actions of these celebrities are not just personal failings; they are indicative of a broader cultural rot. Fame in Nigeria has become synonymous with irresponsibility, where the slightest hint of trouble is transformed into a public spectacle. Rather than use their influence to champion positive values, these so-called role models are teaching an entire generation that the path to relevance is paved with controversy and chaos.
This toxic trend is exacerbated by a media ecosystem that thrives on sensationalism. The media is complicit in this madness and must take a long, hard look at its role in amplifying these spectacles and henceforth take responsibility for enabling this culture of disgrace. Tabloids and blogs compete to publish the most salacious headlines, feeding the public’s appetite for scandal while ignoring the real-life consequences of these stories. Sensationalizing celebrity divorces and turning personal pain into clickbait erodes the line between reporting and exploitation. Journalists and media outlets have a duty to balance public interest with compassion, remembering that behind every headline is a human story with real consequences. Stop amplifying the chaos. Start holding celebrities accountable for their actions. Report responsibly, and remember that behind every scandal is a child, a family, and a legacy being destroyed.
As Toke Makinwa rightfully noted in her recent criticism of 2Baba, what is wrong is wrong. It is time for Nigerian celebrities to hold themselves accountable for their actions. It is time to stop weaponizing social media for petty feuds and to start using their platforms to inspire and uplift. To the stars of Nollywood and the music industry: enough is enough. You are not just entertainers; you are cultural icons with the power to shape values and influence lives. With great fame comes great responsibility. You have been gifted with influence and a platform, yet you consistently misuse it to promote division, chaos, and toxicity. It is time to grow up. As public figures, Nigerian celebrities must recognize that their actions, both on and off-screen, hold weight. Handle your private disputes with dignity. Protect your children from the harsh glare of public scrutiny. Stop prioritizing drama over decency. Take responsibility for the image you project, not just for the sake of your fans but for the sake of your children and the integrity of the industry you represent. Stop being agents of disgrace. Start being the role models you were meant to be. When you fail to live up to this responsibility, you fail not just yourselves but an entire nation.
