Former beauty queen Anna Ebiere Banner has found herself at the center of public scrutiny following her nostalgic tribute to the hit song ‘Golibe’ by Nigerian highlife sensation Flavour N’abania. The controversy unfolded when Banner, who shares a child with the musician, posted a video of herself adorned in traditional Igbo attire while featuring the song that once symbolized their past relationship.
The video, shared on Banner’s Instagram platform, has triggered an avalanche of reactions from fans and critics alike, particularly in light of recent confirmations regarding Flavour’s marriage to Sandra Okagbue. The timing of Banner’s post has raised eyebrows, coming shortly after widely circulated footage of Flavour and Okagbue’s affectionate display at their daughter’s 10th birthday celebration last month.
The social media response has been notably divided, with many observers questioning the appropriateness of Banner’s choice to feature ‘Golibe,’ a song in which she originally appeared. Critics have suggested that the post reflects an inability to move forward, with one user, identified as Utonwaoma, directly addressing Banner’s apparent reaction to Flavour’s recent public appearances with his wife. Ever since that video of Flavour and his wife during their daughter’s birthday, you have been restless,” the comment read, dismissing any possibility of a future union between Banner and the musician.
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The situation has sparked a broader discussion about relationships, closure, and public perception in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Some followers have expressed concern about the underlying messages conveyed by such posts, with one commenter, Amaka Ikenga, offering a sympathetic but critical perspective: “You are definitely very beautiful. But I’m afraid this video comes across as seeking attention. How fine girl go dey stuck on a man?
However, Banner’s supporters have rallied to her defense, arguing that her connection to the song ‘Golibe’ remains legitimate regardless of current circumstances. A user named Golden Ifeoma challenged the critics, stating, “The song was made for her, if you’re angry about it sorry for you.” This sentiment was echoed by others who maintain that Banner’s right to celebrate the music shouldn’t be diminished by subsequent developments in Flavour’s personal life.
The controversy has also brought renewed attention to Flavour’s marriage to Sandra Okagbue, which was reportedly solemnized in August 2020 in Enugu. While the ceremony was kept private with strict restrictions on photography, the union received indirect confirmation during Bella Okagbue’s appearance on Big Brother Naija, where she referenced her elder sister’s married status.
This latest social media incident highlights the complex dynamics often present in celebrity relationships, particularly when children are involved. Banner, who shares a child with Flavour, has maintained a dignified public presence despite the ongoing scrutiny of her every move in relation to her former partner.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by public figures in navigating personal history in the age of social media, where every post can be subject to intense analysis and interpretation. While some view Banner’s video as a simple appreciation of artistry and cultural expression, others perceive it through the lens of unresolved emotional attachments.
As the debate continues to unfold online, the incident serves as a reminder of how social media can amplify personal moments into public discourse, leaving viewers divided between empathy and criticism. Whether Banner’s post was intended as a simple celebration of music or carried deeper significance, it has certainly succeeded in capturing public attention and sparking conversations about relationships, closure, and the right to reclaim one’s own narrative in the public eye.
