In a recent development within the Nigerian entertainment industry, music executive Tunji Balogun, popularly known as Teebillz, has publicly apologized to media personality Toke Makinwa following a dispute concerning comments on family matters. This incident has also led Teebillz to reflect on his past relationship with renowned singer Tiwa Savage, providing insights into their divorce and the challenges they faced.
The Dispute with Toke Makinwa
The conflict began when Toke Makinwa expressed her disappointment over the public announcement of the separation between musician 2Baba (Innocent Idibia) and his wife, Annie Idibia, who was reportedly in rehab at the time. Toke’s remarks emphasized her disapproval of airing private family issues in public, stating that she was “ashamed” of 2Baba’s actions.
In response, Teebillz criticized Toke Makinwa, suggesting that she lacked the experience to comment on such matters. He implied that without having children, one might not fully grasp the complexities of forgiveness and love within a family context. This response was perceived by many as a personal attack on Toke’s childlessness, leading to significant public backlash against Teebillz.
Public Apology and Clarification
Facing criticism, Teebillz appeared in a live Instagram session with media personality Daddy Freeze to address the situation. During the session, he offered a public apology to Toke Makinwa, clarifying that his earlier comments were misconstrued. He emphasized that his intention was not to demean her but to highlight the importance of empathy and understanding in family disputes.
Teebillz stated, “I would like to publicly apologize to Toke. I think my message was misconstrued because, at the end of the day, we are all family.” He further expressed concern about the influence of certain societal movements, suggesting that the “feminist thing is getting out of hand.” He questioned Toke’s involvement in the Idibias’ personal matters, asking, “Where was she all this while in Annie’s life?” He criticized reality shows for exploiting personal flaws for content and urged the public to pray for the couple instead of choosing sides.
Reflections on Divorce from Tiwa Savage
The discussion also led Teebillz to reflect on his own marital experiences with Tiwa Savage. The couple’s marriage ended in 2018 amid public controversies. Teebillz acknowledged the challenges they faced, attributing their issues to the pressures of the entertainment industry. He remarked, “I gave everything to Tiwa Savage, but the problem we had was the entertainment world.”
Tiwa Savage, in a separate interview, shared her perspective on their divorce. She revealed that Teebillz announced their separation online without her prior knowledge, which subjected her to public scrutiny and criticism. At the time, she was dealing with postpartum depression, making the situation more challenging. She recalled, “My baby was just a few months old at that time. My body wasn’t the same because I was dealing with postpartum and depression. Only a few people came to see me. Everyone went to him.” Tiwa expressed her hurt over being blamed for the breakup and decided to remain silent about the details to protect her mental health.
Insights into Public Perception and Personal Growth
Teebillz’s recent apology and reflections highlight the complexities of personal relationships under public scrutiny. He emphasized the importance of empathy and refraining from passing