As the sun sets on 2025, Nigeria’s stars and fans alike are looking back at a rollercoaster year that touched every human emotion. We cheered for triumphs, mourned the passing of legends, and watched as public scandals shifted into moments of unexpected reconciliation.
It wasn’t just a year of entertainment; it was a year that forced us to reflect on the love, loss, and resilience that define the Nigerian spirit.
From Nollywood to music, comedy, social media, and the world of faith, entertainers found themselves at the centre of stories that went far beyond the screen or stage.
David Adebayo takes a closer look at the events, triumphs, and heartbreaks that defined Nigerian entertainment in 2025.
High-profile marriage breakups
2Face Idibia, Annie Idibia and Natasha twist
If any celebrity relationship defined chaos, confusion and public obsession in 2025, it was the unraveling of the long-troubled marriage between music icon Innocent “2Face” Idibia and his ex-wife, Annie Idibia. What began as familiar marital tension quickly escalated into one of the most dramatic relationship sagas the Nigerian entertainment industry has witnessed in years.
Barely three months after publicly distancing himself from Annie and confirming that the marriage had effectively ended, 2Face stunned fans by introducing another woman into his life.
The new partner, Natasha, was swiftly linked by online commentators to the collapse of his marriage in the first place. Speculation intensified when it emerged that Natasha was pregnant and expecting her first child with the Afrobeats legend, a development that poured petrol on an already raging fire.
What made the situation even more emotionally charged was Annie Idibia’s response—or lack of it. Despite 2Face’s public posture that the marriage was over, Annie never issued a formal confirmation of the breakup throughout the year.
Instead, she maintained a conspicuous silence, refusing to publicly concede defeat in a union she had fiercely defended for over a decade. Her actions spoke louder than statements, and many fans interpreted her silence as resistance rather than denial.
That interpretation gained renewed traction when Annie recently re-added “Idibia” to her name across her social media platforms. The move reignited debates and divided public opinion, with some sympathising with her emotional attachment and others questioning the toll of prolonged public humiliation.
The development underscored the deeply personal cost of living out marital struggles in front of a relentless audience.
Frank Edoho: Calm on screen, cutting off screen
In June 2025, veteran broadcaster and television host Frank Edoho officially confirmed the end of his second marriage to Sandra Onyenucheya, a revelation that sent ripples through the entertainment and media space. Edoho is not just a familiar face on Nigerian television; he is a public figure whose presence extends far beyond the screen, commanding respect and, at times, controversy.
Widely admired for his polished delivery and measured tone on air, Edoho has also built a reputation off screen as someone unafraid of sharp, sometimes savage responses to critics and unsolicited intrusions into his personal space.
His readiness to verbally dismantle anyone who crosses perceived boundaries has long made him both respected and feared in equal measure, reinforcing his image as a man who guards his privacy fiercely.
Against this backdrop, the announcement of his marriage collapse carried added weight. When Edoho addressed the separation, he did so with restraint, choosing language centred on growth, self-reflection and emotional maturity. He emphasised peace over conflict, resisting the temptation to trade words or assign public blame, a notable contrast to the confrontational edge he is often associated with online.
The development surprised many observers who believed Edoho had found lasting stability after his first divorce.
Biola Bayo and Anita Joseph suffered failed marriages
In 2025, Nollywood actresses Biola Bayo and Anita Joseph added their names to the growing list of high-profile celebrities whose marriages came to an end. For both actresses, the announcements were more than mere headlines they were windows into the personal struggles, pressures, and complexities of life lived in the public eye.
Biola Bayo’s confirmation of her separation was notable for its raw honesty and vulnerability. Speaking about her journey, she reflected on the emotional toll of maintaining a union while managing career demands and public expectations. Fans and colleagues alike praised her courage for addressing issues of healing, personal growth, and self-worth,
Similarly, Anita Joseph’s breakup sparked widespread discussions about the unseen pressures within celebrity marriages. The actress highlighted the weight of expectations, the challenges of balancing private life with public scrutiny, and the emotional labour often expected in high-profile relationships.
Her openness resonated with many fans, especially those who could relate to the strain of maintaining appearances while navigating personal turmoil..
Regina Daniels and Sen. Ned Nwoko’s Marriage: A Complex Web of Love, Polygamy, and Power
The marriage between billionaire Ned Nwoko and Nollywood actress Regina Daniels came to an abrupt and highly publicised end in 2025.
According to reports, Regina walked away from the union, alleging neglect and emotional strain, claims that quickly set social media ablaze. Fans and critics dissected every statement, post, and interview, turning their private struggle into a national conversation.
Ned Nwoko, however, countered the claims, suggesting that Regina’s allegations were exaggerated and attributing the tension to personal challenges she was reportedly facing at the time.
Nkechi Blessing and Xxssive public romance ended in spectacle
The relationship between outspoken Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday and social media personality Eseoghene Obire, popularly known as Xxssive, unraveled in 2025 in a manner that kept fans and commentators glued to every update.
Known for her bold personality and unapologetic approach to love, Nkechi Blessing has often been tagged a “serial dating queen”—and in the eyes of many, the label is not entirely misplaced. Yet, to dismiss her love life as fleeting would be unfair; Nkechi’s relationships are as public as her persona, and she invests deeply in the emotional highs and lows, for better or worse.
Her romance with Xxssive, which thrived on social media visibility and viral interactions, became a constant talking point, dominating timelines with every display of affection or disagreement.
However, by mid-year, the relationship began to unravel amid interviews, cryptic posts, and public accusations that eventually led to its break-up. Nkechi has since found another lover whom she is yet to disclose.
Destalker confirms his marriage hits rock bottom
In July 2025, award-winning comedian Oghenekowhoyan Onaibe Desmond, popularly known as Destalker, publicly confirmed his divorce during an interview with content creator Timi Agbaje. He revealed that the marriage lasted three years and admitted that the relationship progressed rapidly, with only six months of dating before marriage. His candid reflection sparked widespread conversations about rushing into lifelong commitments.
Sabinus and Ciana Chapman part ways
Early December brought another shock when popular skit maker Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, widely known as Sabinus, confirmed that his marriage to Ciana Chapman had ended. The news deeply affected fans who admired his family-centred image, reinforcing the reality that success does not shield individuals from personal struggles.
Peller and Jarvis: Public love fades behind the scenes
In 2025, social media influencers Peller and Jarvis made headlines once again, but this time for the end of their relationship. For followers who had celebrated their love online, the breakup came as both a shock and a sobering reminder of the fragile nature of digital-age romance.
The relationship, built and nurtured in full public view, had always balanced on the delicate line between genuine intimacy and content creation. Every affectionate post, viral video, or playful banter was according to them was a declaration of love and a performance for thousands of their fans but over time, the pressures of constant scrutiny, expectations from followers, and the need to maintain a curated online image began to weigh heavily on the couple.
Their eventual separation reflected more than a personal choice as many people described it as the emotional cost of living love in the spotlight.
Juma Jux and Priscilla: The Wedding Everyone Was Talking About
If there was one wedding that truly lit up 2025, it was that of Tanzanian singer Juma Jux and Nigerian influencer Priscilla. The cross-cultural celebration dominated timelines across Africa, drawing attention not just for the couple’s stylish union but also for the star-studded moments that fans could not get enough of.
One of the highlights was the involvement of the mother of the bride, Nollywood star Iyabo Ojo, who ensured that her daughter—already a mother—shone on the big day. Her presence added both glamour and warmth, cementing the event as a perfect blend of celebrity sparkle and family love.
Guests from across the continent, including entertainers, influencers, and media personalities, shared unforgettable moments online, making the wedding a trending spectacle for days.
The celebration was more than a ceremony; it was a statement. In a year marked by celebrity breakups, scandals, and reconciliations, Juma Jux and Priscilla’s wedding stood out as a moment of joy, unity, and pure entertainment.
Davido and Chioma: US wedding that got the world talking
If there was one celebrity wedding that had fans and the entertainment industry talking all year, it was Afrobeats superstar Davido’s union with Chioma in the United States. While the couple had already held a Nigerian version of the wedding that brought Lagos to a standstill, they insisted that the US ceremony must go on—and it did, in spectacular fashion.
The event was a star-studded affair, blending African tradition with international flair. Many of Davido’s close friends and collaborators were on hand to celebrate, creating unforgettable moments that dominated social media feeds across the globe.
However, one notable absence made headlines: Cubana Chief Priest, the popular nightlife entrepreneur, was unable to attend after being denied a US visa—a twist that added another talking point for fans.
Fathia Balogun and Funke Akindele End Longstanding Feud
In a rare moment of reconciliation, Nollywood veterans Fathia Balogun and Funke Akindele finally buried the hatchet. Their public reconciliation ended years of tension and was widely praised as a sign of maturity and unity within the film industry.
Asake: From controversy to reconciliation
2025 was nothing short of a landmark year for singer Asake, and while his music dominated charts and airwaves, fans arguably celebrated most his personal growth and reconciliations. After months of public controversy, Asake reconciled with his father, baby mama, and daughter—a move that shifted his narrative from conflict to responsibility and maturity.
The reconciliation was widely covered on social media, with fans praising the singer for taking steps toward healing fractured relationships. It was a reminder that even in the high-octane world of fame and scrutiny, personal accountability and family unity remain central to lasting respect and admiration.
Asake’s year was further punctuated by culturally significant milestones. His visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi days back resonated deeply with fans. In addition, returning to his alma mater allowed him to inspire students and celebrate his roots, reminding everyone that success is most meaningful when it is shared with family, community, and the institutions that shaped you.
Deaths that left the industry in mourning
The year 2025 was marked by profound losses in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, leaving fans, colleagues, and the public grappling with grief over the passing of some of the country’s most cherished talents. These departures reminded everyone that behind the glamour and fame are human lives, often as fragile as they are celebrated.
Veteran figures in Yoruba cinema felt an especially deep impact. Segun Remi, affectionately known as Chief Kanran, was celebrated not only for his versatile acting but also for his mentorship of younger actors.
His death left a palpable void in Yoruba-language cinema, where his signature performances had spanned decades. Alongside him, Akiin Sugar and Fabian Adibe, both stalwarts of the industry, passed away, their contributions immortalized in films that continue to shape Nigerian storytelling. Actor Odira Nwobu, whose career had shown immense promise, died after health complications abroad, cutting short a life and craft many believed still had much to offer.
Monalisa Stephen, an actress, model, and outspoken advocate for body positivity, also left the industry too soon. Known for her fearless personality, she was admired not only for her work on screen but also for her willingness to challenge societal norms and encourage self-love among young women. Her death was mourned widely, with fans highlighting her courage and authenticity.
The music world, too, felt the sting of loss. Big Bolaji, a revered figure in gospel music, passed away after decades of inspiring worshippers with his powerful voice and heartfelt performances. His absence was particularly felt in church communities and among fans who grew up listening to his music, many of whom shared stories of how his songs had provided solace in difficult times.
The era of digital fame was not spared either. TikTok sensation Zanku died in a tragic car accident, a stark reminder of the fragility of life, especially in a world where virality and instant recognition often overshadow the personal struggles of young stars. Fans across social media mourned his passing, reflecting on the fleeting nature of life in the age of instant fame.
Veteran Nollywood actor and producer Kayode Peters also passed in 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by commitment to storytelling and an unwavering dedication to the craft. Colleagues paid tribute to his versatility, mentorship, and the many roles he played both in front of and behind the camera, cementing his place in the history of Nigerian cinema.
Toke Makinwa welcomes baby in grand style
Media personality Toke Makinwa welcoming a baby was one of the happiest surprises of the year. The celebration that followed was widely described as “the party of the year,” dominating lifestyle and entertainment conversations and symbolising renewal amid a year filled with loss.
Imisi Crowned Winner of BBNaija Season 10
Reality television made headlines when Imisi emerged winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10. Her authenticity and resilience endeared her to viewers nationwide, securing her place as one of the breakout stars of the year.
K1’s airport drama and royal speculations
Fuji legend K1 De Ultimate found himself at the centre of controversy following an airport incident that sparked cultural and political debates. Speculation about his perceived interest in matters surrounding the Awujale stool further fueled public discourse.
Portable’s viral arrests
Street-pop singer Portable once again dominated headlines following his viral arrest. The incident renewed discussions about celebrity behaviour, accountability and the consequences of repeated confrontations with authorities.
DJ Chicken’s series of accidents
Controversial entertainer DJ Chicken survived multiple accidents in 2025, raising alarms about recklessness and the dangers of clout-driven stunts in the digital age.
Timi Dakolo and Pastor Lazarus’ epic clash
One of the year’s most heated public disputes unfolded within the gospel community when Pastor Femi Lazarus publicly criticized gospel artists for charging performance fees, labeling the practice an improper commercialization of ministry.
The critique drew a sharp rebuttal from singer Timi Dakolo, who challenged the cleric to train his own choir rather than hire professionals.
The situation escalated when Dakolo shared alleged figures regarding the pastor’s own appearance fees, sparking a massive national conversation about faith, fair compensation, and institutional hypocrisy
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