Natasha drops Idibia surname in Edo Assembly intro

Edo State lawmaker Natasha Osawaru has attracted attention on social media after introducing herself without the surname of Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba. In a video circulating online, Natasha identified herself as “Honourable Natasha Irobosa Osawaru” while addressing colleagues during a plenary session of the Edo State House of Assembly. The omission of Idibia from her introduction quickly became a subject of discussion among Nigerians online. Natasha represents Egor Constituency in the Edo Assembly and serves as the Assembly’s Minority Leader. During the session, she reportedly spoke in support of a bill aimed at strengthening emergency response in the state, highlighting dangers such as flooding, erosion, fire outbreaks and building collapses.

The introduction attracted particular interest because Natasha had previously included Idibia in her name during an Assembly sitting in April 2025, when she introduced herself as “Honourable Natasha Irobosa Osawaru, née Idibia.” The difference between the two introductions prompted social media users to compare the videos and discuss why she had used Osawaru without Idibia in the latest appearance. Online reactions were mixed, with some users questioning the omission and others arguing that the introduction should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of a change in her private life. The discussion has also drawn attention because of the public interest in Natasha and 2Baba’s relationship. However, the video itself only establishes the name she used during the Assembly session. It does not confirm a separation, a change in marital status or any other development in their relationship. The incident highlights how public figures’ appearances and statements can quickly generate conversations online, particularly when they differ from previous public records. Until either party provides a clear explanation, it would be premature to draw conclusions about the reason behind the omission. For now, the discussion remains centred on Natasha’s introduction and the contrast with her earlier use of the Idibia surname.