In a recent development that has set social media buzzing, Honourable Natasha Irobosa Osawaru, a 30-year-old lawmaker and the fiancée of veteran Nigerian music icon Innocent “2Baba” Idibia, has drawn widespread public attention after her peculiar self-introduction in the Edo State House of Assembly.
During a plenary session, Natasha stood to address her colleagues and unexpectedly introduced herself with the words, “Mr Speaker, my name is Honourable Natasha Irobosa Osawaru née Idibia,” a statement that immediately caused a stir within the chamber.
The declaration, captured in a now-viral video clip, was followed by her laughing at her own words, prompting an outburst of murmurs and playful teasing from fellow lawmakers.
The chamber was momentarily thrown into light-hearted chaos as members reacted to her use of the phrase “née Idibia.” Her colleagues, clearly amused and surprised, interrupted her multiple times, some chuckling while others openly questioned her choice of words.
Struggling to regain composure, Natasha pleaded with the Speaker for a few moments to gather herself. “Mr Speaker, if I may… please, give me a moment to put myself together,” she said, giggling and adjusting her stance.
She eventually continued her contribution to the House, seconding a motion raised by another member. However, the moment had already taken a life of its own both within the Assembly and online.
The clip quickly circulated on social media, and what might have passed as a minor slip in phrasing turned into a full-blown grammar debate.
Central to the uproar was her use of the term “née,” which in proper usage indicates a woman’s maiden name—that is, the surname she bore at birth before marriage.
In Natasha’s case, using “née Idibia” suggests she was born with the name Idibia and later became Osawaru through marriage, which is inaccurate as she is not yet married to 2Baba and Idibia is not her birth name.
This semantic misstep prompted a range of reactions, with some users criticizing her, while others defended her as simply making a harmless mistake.
One of the more prominent voices in the backlash was that of popular media personality, Osi Suave, who took to Twitter to express his frustration with what he saw as a fundamental misunderstanding of language.
“Look at this illiterate,” he wrote bluntly. “Née means born. Meaning, your maiden name or the name you had at birth before you changed it due to marriage.”
His tweet ignited a fresh round of discourse, drawing in language enthusiasts, feminists, fans of 2Baba, and critics of both Natasha and celebrity politics.
Many supported Osi’s take, asserting that public figures, especially lawmakers, should be more careful and accurate when using official language.
Others, however, rallied in Natasha’s defense, accusing her critics of being overly pedantic and unnecessarily harsh.
Beyond the grammar debate, the incident has reopened public conversations about Natasha’s relationship with 2Baba, which has been surrounded by speculation and mixed public sentiment.
Known for his complex romantic history and existing marriage to actress Annie Idibia, 2Baba’s name being invoked in an official legislative setting reignited discussions about loyalty, tradition, and the blending of personal lives with public roles.
Critics questioned the propriety of Natasha referencing a romantic partner so prominently in the House, while others viewed it as a progressive stance on love and personal expression in politics.
Whether it was a gaffe or a calculated statement of identity, her words resonated far beyond the walls of the House.
