Abolore Akande popularly known as 9ice is every inch a gentleman but the recent news of his final break up with his wife- Toni Payne is definitely a bitter pill to swallow. Though unknown to the general public, the couple has not fully enjoyed their marriage in the past one year.
The awful and unpleasant news of their impetuous separation took many by surprise. Their marriage was celebrated on all the leading magazines in Nigeria. Even though they made it a low key affair, it became the talk of the town afterwards. Lots of people commended him (9ice) for taking such step while some terribly condemned him that marriage isn’t the appropriate step at this point of his career
Few days back, the couple announced that they are separating but that they will remain as friends and business partners. Their son- Zion will be in the custody of the alienated wife.
9ice became one of the most sought after acts in Nigeria after the successful release of his sophomore album spawning hits like Gongo Aso, Street Credibility, Party Rider, Wedding Day, among others. The album sure catapulted him to fame. His popularity soared to new heights across the length and breadth of Africa. The success of the album presented him with his first opportunity to travel to the U.K where he performed at the birthday ceremony of former South- African President- Nelson Mandela. Shortly after that, he started winning awards from right, left and center, winning fans in droves. He became so popular that no show was completed without him. His album even won the best album of the year at the last Hip Hop World Awards. No doubt, his career has witnessed an unprecedented rise. 9ice’s story is truly an exciting insight into the survival and success of a recording artiste considering how much he suffered underground before his voice was finally heard.
Since their break- up, they have bluntly refused to comment why they are going their separate ways. They also made up their mind not to grant any interview on the break-up at least for now.
We remember with glee and fondness in our heart on Thursday July 17, 2008 when the couple got married in Surulere Registry and followed it up with a traditional marriage same day. They were full of happiness that they will be spending the rest of their lives together in the presence of select family members, friends, fans and colleagues. They even took an oath to stick to together for better for worse till death do them apart but the recent turn out of events have proved otherwise. Toni and 9ice are no more together. It’s still very difficult to absorb but is the reality.
They met in December 2006 at Gbenga Adeyinka’s 5th anniversary in Ikeja, Lagos. One thing led to the other and they became lovers which eventually culminated in a blissful union blessed with a lovely baby boy. 18 months into their marriage, the popular biblical saying that “whatever God has joined together let no man put asunder” does not longer hold for the couple. The couple has decided to be separated.
“What actually went wrong? Why did they decide to go their separate ways? Why can’t they settle it amicably whatever it is and move on? Why 9ice”? These and more are some of the unanswered questions that the friends and fans of the A-list act have been asking. They wished the couple didn’t separate. They would have done everything in their power to prevent it from happening even if it will cost them fasting and prayers.
Insiders who are privileged to know little about their affair said Toni is always dotting on 9ice and sometimes very domineering which may not be unconnected with the current separation. They alleged that she wanted to take over the work of 9ice’s manager, Oladehinde Fajana but the latter did everything possible to deprive her of such. Toni wants to be charge of everything including her husband’s career. Even though she delved into artiste management because of her love for music, her husband still felt she lacks what it takes to manage him. This went on for a long time. `Later, Toni started accusing him of infidelity. We heard that they disagreed on lots of issues even at the slightest provocation. Eventually they had to go kiss the union goodbye when peace does no longer reside in their matrimonial home. Who is to blame, 9ice or Toni?
In all, nobody is happy about the break-up. Some people felt they should have looked for ways of settling whatever might be the reason for their break up knowing fully well that marriage is an institution. It requires lots of patience and tolerance
