Natasha Osawaru drops 2Baba’s surname while introducing self at Edo Assembly

A video of Edo State lawmaker, Natasha Osawaru, introducing herself during legislative proceedings without her partner 2Baba’s surname has renewed speculation about their relationship, Premium Times reports.

In the video posted on her Instagram page on Tuesday, the minority leader said: “Mr Speaker, my name is Honourable Natasha Irobosa Osawaru, member representing the very great people of Egor Constituency and, by God’s grace, the minority leader of this House.” Her nameplate also bore the Osawaru surname without “Idibia”.

The use of Osawaru does not, by itself, establish any change in the couple’s relationship. However, it drew attention weeks after she was absent from 2Baba’s 51st birthday celebration and album listening party in Lagos.

During the session, she supported a bill to strengthen the state’s emergency response, saying: “Mr Speaker, as we speak, we have no strong, legally backed state agency that can respond proactively. Hence, this bill is timely.”

The relationship came under scrutiny in August after she appeared at an Abuja nightclub where 2Baba was to perform. As of press time, neither had confirmed a separation.