In the vibrant world of Nigerian entertainment, where celebrity relationships often play out in the public eye, a notable trend has emerged. While many high-profile separations are marked by public accusations and heated social media exchanges, a growing number of stars are choosing to end their marriages quietly, maintaining dignity and privacy throughout the process.
The Quiet Exit: Celebrities Choosing Discretion
Unlike their colleagues who engage in messy public disputes, these Nigerian celebrities have demonstrated that it's possible to dissolve marriages without social media spectacle. Their approach involves careful planning, limited public announcements, and a mutual commitment to handling personal matters privately.
Basketmouth and Elsie: A Twelve-Year Chapter Closes
Popular comedian Bright Okpocha, known as Basketmouth, and his wife Elsie Uzoma Okpocha announced their separation in December 2022 after twelve years of marriage. The couple, who share three children, managed to avoid any public disputes following their separation announcement. Their dignified approach set a precedent for how celebrity separations could be handled without damaging public exchanges.
AY Makun and Mabel: Ending Fifteen Years Privately
Comedian and actor Ayo Makun (AY) publicly confirmed his separation from wife Mabel on April 7, 2024. In his Instagram statement, AY emphasized his inability to continue managing personal family issues in the public domain. Remarkably, the couple had celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary just five months earlier in November 2023. Since their separation, neither party has made public comments about the other, maintaining complete discretion.
Osas Ighodaro and Gbenro Ajibade: From TV Romance to Quiet Divorce
The former couple who met on the set of a television show saw their marriage quietly dissolve despite initial public speculation. In February 2019, Gbenro Ajibade made a cryptic post about Osas Ighodaro's parenting style, which the actress responded to by removing his name from her Instagram. The divorce was officially confirmed by Ajibade during a December 2019 interview on Rubbin Minds, concluding without the social media drama that often accompanies celebrity splits.
More Celebrities Embracing Private Separations
Damilola Adegbite and Chris Attoh represent another Nollywood couple who chose privacy over public spectacle. Married on February 14, 2015 in Accra, Ghana, their separation in 2017 was handled with remarkable discretion. While Adegbite remained silent about their split, Attoh eventually confirmed the marriage had ended during a radio interview, avoiding further public discussion.
Bolanle Ninalowo (Nino B) announced the end of his 18-year marriage to Bunmi in October 2023. The Nollywood star used his Instagram platform to explain that the decision was mutual due to irreconcilable differences while specifically requesting privacy for both parties. True to their word, neither has made public comments about each other since the announcement.
2Baba and Annie Macaulay: A Shocking Yet Civil Separation
Perhaps the most public yet drama-free separation came from music legend 2Baba, who announced the end of his 12-year marriage to Annie Macaulay on January 26, 2025. Though the announcement came via a video that surprised many fans, both parties have refrained from making direct comments about each other or their marriage. The singer has since moved on with Edo state lawmaker Natasha Osawaru, whom he celebrated in a heartfelt birthday message on November 13, 2025.
The Growing Trend of Discreet Celebrity Divorces
These cases represent a significant shift in how Nigerian celebrities handle relationship endings. By choosing privacy over public spectacle, these stars protect not only their personal well-being but also that of their children and families. The approach demonstrates maturity and respect for the institution of marriage, even as the relationships themselves conclude.
This trend toward discreet separations reflects a broader understanding among celebrities that some matters are best handled away from the public gaze. It sets a positive example for fans and followers while preserving the dignity of all parties involved in these difficult personal transitions.
