Popular Nigerian relationship coach and social media figure, Blessing Okoro, better known as Blessing CEO, has once again captured public attention—this time with a major life update.
The outspoken influencer took to Instagram to announce her engagement to controversial businessman Ikechukwu Ogbonna, popularly known as IVD.
The news immediately sent shockwaves across the internet, stirring both excitement and debate. In a post accompanied by an intimate photo of the couple, Blessing shared a deeply emotional caption that revealed her hopes for a new beginning.
“I SAID YES,” she wrote with palpable emotion. “For the first time, I did not want drama. For the first time, I did not want the noise. I just wanted peace and softness! To hear our heartbeat as 1 and hear you breathe into my face. Let’s do this together as we take this journey forever. YES, YES, YES, I WILL MARRY YOU. IKECHUKWU DARRY OGBONNA.”
Her declaration, tender yet defiant, was met with an avalanche of mixed reactions from followers who’ve closely monitored her controversial career.
Blessing CEO and IVD have been romantically linked since late 2022, their names frequently appearing in blogs and headlines following the tragic and widely publicized death of IVD’s wife, Bimbo Ogbonna, in October of that year.
Bimbo’s passing, reportedly following a violent domestic altercation, rocked the Nigerian social media space and ignited nationwide conversations about domestic violence, toxic relationships, and accountability in romantic partnerships.
Following Bimbo’s death, IVD faced damning accusations from her family, who alleged a long history of domestic abuse. The situation escalated into a full-blown investigation, with IVD briefly taken into police custody.
While many distanced themselves from the unfolding scandal, Blessing CEO took a different route—she emerged as an unexpected ally. Using her Instagram platform, she made it her mission to defend IVD publicly, claiming he was innocent and had been unfairly vilified.
In a series of emotionally charged videos and Instagram Lives, Blessing revealed what she claimed were private messages and voice notes between Bimbo and IVD. Her narrative suggested that Bimbo had suffered from mental health issues and that the true story of their marriage had been distorted.
However, this bold move backfired. Many saw her intervention as intrusive, insensitive, and opportunistic, especially given the gravity of the accusations and the grief of the bereaved family.
The backlash was swift and severe. In March 2023, Blessing CEO was arrested by the Nigerian Police Force for cyberbullying and defamation of character, following complaints from Bimbo’s family.
She was briefly detained, and the incident only fueled further speculation about the nature of her relationship with IVD. At the time, she firmly denied any romantic involvement with him, asserting that she was simply offering support based on her professional expertise as a relationship therapist.
Yet, many remained unconvinced. Her passionate defense of IVD, coupled with their increasingly frequent public interactions, fueled rumors that there was more between them than she was willing to admit.
With this recent engagement announcement, those suspicions now appear to be confirmed.
And with confirmation comes renewed scrutiny, especially from those who once considered Blessing a voice of wisdom in navigating emotionally healthy relationships.
Blessing has long branded herself as a woman of clarity, often doling out tough-love advice to her followers, especially women, on avoiding manipulative men and toxic entanglements.
Her decision to marry a man previously linked to such a high-profile domestic abuse case has raised eyebrows—and hard questions.
Critics have asked: What message does this send to her audience? Is this an act of love, loyalty, or an open challenge to public opinion?
Despite the swirling controversy, Blessing appears resolute. Her choice of words—“peace and softness”—signals a desire to start anew, away from the chaos of public judgment.
She seems determined to control the narrative this time, reclaiming her voice in a story that many feel was always half-told. To her, this engagement may represent a new chapter marked by personal truth, rather than public approval.
Still, the complexities of her relationship with IVD can’t be ignored. For many, IVD remains a deeply polarizing figure, whose past is still under the lens of public and legal scrutiny.
Whether Blessing’s decision to join her life with his is one rooted in love or loyalty, or something more strategic, remains open to interpretation. But one thing is clear: she is standing firm, regardless of the fallout.
With her fan base now sharply divided, Blessing’s next steps will be closely watched. Some fans have expressed support, applauding her bravery to love openly despite judgment.
Others have accused her of betrayal, especially to victims of domestic violence who once looked to her for strength and guidance. The road ahead will no doubt be complicated, both personally and professionally.
For now, Blessing Okoro seems unshaken. In the face of criticism, she is choosing vulnerability. In the midst of controversy, she is embracing love.
Whether this engagement leads to redemption or regret is a story still unfolding. But in typical Blessing CEO fashion, she’s making sure we all have front-row seats.
