Nigerian Celebrity Marriages That Crashed in Recent Times: Love, Glamour, and Heartbreak

Love, fame, and marriage often make an intriguing mix, but in the world of Nigerian entertainment, not all love stories have fairy-tale endings.

Over the years, many celebrity marriages have come crashing down, leaving fans stunned and social media buzzing with reactions.

The most recent heartbreak is that of legendary musician Innocent Idibia, popularly known as TuFace, and his wife, Annie Idibia.

But they are not alone. Here’s a look at some high-profile Nigerian celebrity divorces that rocked the entertainment industry in recent times.

1. TuFace and Annie Idibia – 12 Years of Love, Now a Closed Chapter

On January 26, 2025, music icon TuFace Idibia shocked Nigerians when he announced his separation from his wife, Annie Idibia. The couple, who had been married for 12 years, had faced several publicized marital storms over the years, including allegations of infidelity and family interference. Annie, who had known TuFace since her teenage years, stood by him despite his multiple relationships that resulted in children with other women. They eventually tied the knot in 2012 and had two children together. However, after years of ups and downs, the duo decided to go their separate ways, breaking the hearts of many fans.

2. AY Makun and Mabel – A Love Story That Couldn’t Stand the Test of Time

Ace comedian and filmmaker Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, announced his split from his wife, Mabel, on April 7, 2024. The couple had been together for nearly two decades, marking their 15th wedding anniversary in November 2023. The separation came as a shock, especially after the birth of their second child in 2022, following a 13-year gap since their first.

See Also:

Video | Being Nominated For The Grammy Is Already A Win For Me – Asake

Video | Funke Akindele’s Humble Beginnings: Borrowing Clothes To Becoming Nollywood’s Box Office Queen! 🎬👑

In an emotional Instagram post, AY hinted at personal struggles within the marriage but refused to delve into details, stating that he could no longer handle the pressure of making his family issues a public spectacle.

3. Bolanle Ninalowo and Bunmi – 18 Years, But Not Forever

Nollywood actor Bolanle Ninalowo, fondly known as Nino B, took to Instagram in October 2023 to announce the end of his 18-year marriage to Bunmi. The couple, once admired for their chemistry and deep bond, decided to part ways due to irreconcilable differences. While Nino B didn’t share the intricate details, he requested privacy from fans, making it clear that the decision wasn’t an easy one. His followers expressed shock and disappointment, as the couple had often been seen as a model of resilience and commitment.

4. Basketmouth and Elsie – From Laughter to Heartbreak

Bright Okpocha, better known as Basketmouth, and his wife Elsie, were one of the most admired couples in the Nigerian entertainment space. However, in December 2022, Basketmouth surprised fans with the announcement of their split after 12 years of marriage. The comedian, who had always kept his family life private, didn’t give specific reasons for the separation but assured the public that they remained committed to co-parenting their children. The revelation left many fans shocked, as the couple had been regarded as one of Nollywood’s most enduring love stories.

5. Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz – A Power Couple No More

Actress and producer Funke Akindele and her husband, Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz, were a dynamic duo in both love and business. Married in 2016, they collaborated on multiple projects, including the blockbuster TV series Jenifa’s Diary. However, in June 2022, JJC Skillz announced their separation, revealing that they had been struggling with marital issues for over two years.

Despite their separation, the couple, who share twin boys, have continued to remain civil in public, prioritizing their children’s well-being. Their split came as a major shock, given their history of professional and personal collaborations.

6. Israel DMW and Sheila – A Short-Lived Union

Davido’s logistics manager, Israel Afeare, better known as Israel DMW, had a fairy-tale wedding with Sheila in October 2022. However, by November 2023, the marriage had already crumbled, lasting barely a year.

In a dramatic social media post, Israel accused Sheila of using him for fame and financial gain, while Sheila remained mostly silent about the allegations. Their messy breakup sparked intense reactions on social media, with many expressing disappointment at how quickly their marriage fell apart.

Final Thoughts

While the glitz and glamour of celebrity marriages captivate fans, it’s clear that fame and fortune don’t always guarantee a lasting union. These high-profile divorces serve as a reminder that relationships require more than love and admiration from the public to thrive.

Which of these celebrity breakups shocked you the most? Let us know in the comments!