Controversial Nigerian auto dealer Ikechukwu Ogbonna, popularly known as IVD, has opened up about one of the most painful chapters of his life—being separated from his five children for over three years.
In a candid and emotional conversation on The Honest Bunch podcast, IVD revealed that he has been completely cut off from his children following the death of his wife, Bimbo Ogbonna, in 2022. The father of five did not mince words, claiming that his children were essentially taken away from him by their maternal family and that he has been denied all forms of contact with them.
“They kidnapped my five kids,” IVD said. “I’ve not seen them till now. It’s been over three years now. I’ve not seen my kids. I don’t even know how they are doing. I do not talk to them on the phone.”
The tone of the conversation took a deeply emotional turn as IVD expressed not just frustration, but heartbreak over his prolonged separation from his children. According to him, the situation has left him in a state of helplessness, especially considering the bond he once shared with them and the uncertainty surrounding their current lives and well-being.
This separation reportedly began shortly after the tragic death of his wife, Bimbo Ogbonna, in October 2022. She died in a fire incident at their Lekki home, a tragedy that rocked social media and triggered widespread debates about domestic violence and toxic relationships in Nigeria.
The couple, who were married for 16 years, had a turbulent relationship often played out in the public eye. Their marriage was marred by accusations of domestic violence, emotional abuse, and infidelity, with both parties allegedly contributing to the toxic dynamic. Several reports and viral videos showed altercations between the two, and following Bimbo’s death, her family and supporters accused IVD of contributing to the circumstances that led to her passing.
While the legal and moral dimensions of that case continue to generate debate, IVD’s recent revelation adds another complex layer to his personal story—a man publicly accused of wrongdoing, now claiming to be suffering from the silent pain of losing access to his children.
Despite the grim circumstances surrounding his past, IVD shared that he has found some level of emotional stability with his current partner, popular relationship therapist Blessing Okoro, known online as Blessing CEO. The pair have sparked both criticism and curiosity online, given the controversial nature of their union and Blessing CEO’s vocal defense of IVD following Bimbo’s death.
When asked about allegations of infidelity in his current relationship, IVD didn’t hesitate to shut down the rumors.
“God forbid. I swear with my life,” he declared, strongly asserting his loyalty to Blessing and denying any wrongdoing.
His firm denial is part of a larger effort, it seems, to change the narrative about him. From facing online backlash and public scrutiny over the events surrounding his late wife’s death, to trying to rebuild his life with a new partner, IVD appears to be on a journey of personal reinvention. However, his ongoing estrangement from his children is a wound that continues to weigh heavily on him.
Many listeners of The Honest Bunch were moved by IVD’s emotional account, with some expressing empathy while others remained skeptical, citing the unresolved controversies of his past. Still, his message was clear: he misses his children dearly and longs for a reunion, or at the very least, the opportunity to know how they are doing.
“No father deserves this,” one social media commenter wrote in response to the podcast clip. “No matter what went wrong between him and their mother, children should not be used as weapons.”
As the conversation around parental rights, domestic violence, and family estrangement continues to evolve in Nigerian society, IVD’s story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of public scandals and private conflicts.
While critics continue to question his role in the events that led to his wife’s tragic end, others are beginning to consider the broader picture—one where a man, flawed as he may be, is fighting to be part of his children’s lives once again.
Whether or not he will eventually regain contact with them remains uncertain. But what is clear is that, for IVD, the emotional toll of this separation is far deeper than the headlines may suggest.
Follow for all updates:
