Controversial relationship expert Blessing Okoro, widely known as Blessing CEO, has officially confirmed her romantic relationship with Lagos celebrity auto dealer Ikechukwu Ogbonna, popularly called IVD. In a Facebook Live session with Daddy Freeze on Saturday morning, Blessing CEO spoke extensively about their relationship, addressing various rumors and controversies surrounding IVD’s character and health.
Blessing CEO described IVD as a kind-hearted and calm individual, contrary to the public perception fueled by allegations of domestic violence and other scandals. She also vehemently denied claims that IVD is HIV positive, recounting their journey together and emphasizing his gentle demeanor.
“IVD is my booboo. I have always called him my booboo and my G,” she began during the live session. “I have known him for three years. He is completely different from what the media portrays. He is one of the sweetest people I have ever known. Let me open up — we have never had that experience [of violence] because I’m seeing the sweetest part of him. I was his therapist before becoming his booboo, so I understood his emotions and weaknesses before the romantic feelings came in.”
Blessing further explained that IVD’s calm personality and ability to communicate without aggression were the qualities that endeared him to her. According to her, he is not the man the media has painted him to be. “IVD is one of the calmest people I have ever met. He doesn’t talk much, and that’s what swept me off my feet about him. People thought I didn’t have relationships, but I have dated a couple of guys. I think he’s an alpha male — one person who can tell me to sit, and I will. I don’t know how he does it effortlessly. There was a day I was shaking my ass on social media, and he called me and said, ‘Booboo, I don’t want you to shake your ass on social media again.’ Normally, I would revolt, but with him, I don’t. My friends say he’s using jazz.”
She also passionately addressed the rumors about IVD’s HIV status, recounting how he had taken her to multiple hospitals for tests to dispel any doubts early in their relationship. “The very first day we met, he held my hand, and we drove to Evercare Hospital. He took me to four different hospitals for an HIV test. He is not HIV positive. When a woman is upset, we can say anything. That [the HIV claim] was said out of anger. When we are angry, we say things to trigger a man. He is not HIV positive. Ever since I met IVD, he barely falls sick. He is AA. With IVD, I’m excited to have kids.”
Despite her defense of IVD’s character, Blessing’s relationship with him has been a subject of controversy due to his history. In 2023, she was remanded by the Lagos State Federal High Court for her alleged involvement in the case surrounding IVD and his late wife, Bimbo Ogbonna.
Bimbo’s tragic death followed a fire incident at their home, reportedly caused by domestic violence. While Blessing was previously rumored to be romantically linked to IVD, she had denied these allegations at the time, maintaining that she was his official relationship therapist. However, in her recent admission, she defended IVD against accusations of domestic violence and suggested that Bimbo had been violent and suicidal during their marriage.
This revelation has reignited debates about IVD’s role in his late wife’s death and Blessing’s decision to enter a romantic relationship with him despite the controversies. Blessing has consistently stood by IVD, arguing that he has been unfairly judged based on hearsay and media reports.
Blessing’s announcement has sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some fans applauded her for being honest and transparent about her relationship, others criticized her for defending IVD, given the tragic circumstances surrounding Bimbo’s death. Many questioned her judgment, with some accusing her of trying to paint IVD in a positive light despite the serious allegations against him.
As the conversation continues, Blessing CEO remains unapologetic about her relationship with IVD, describing it as one of the most fulfilling experiences of her life. “With IVD, I’ve found peace and understanding,” she stated during the live session. “He is not what people say he is. I know the real him, and I’m happy to stand by him.”
For Blessing, this relationship is about more than just love; it’s a partnership built on mutual respect and a deep understanding of each other’s vulnerabilities. However, the controversies surrounding IVD’s past and Blessing’s involvement in his personal life are likely to remain topics of public debate for some time.
While critics continue to question the motives behind Blessing’s decision to speak out now, supporters argue that her honesty about their relationship and her efforts to clear IVD’s name are commendable. For now, Blessing CEO and IVD appear to be focused on building their future together, undeterred by public opinion.
This latest development adds another layer to the ongoing saga of IVD’s life and the scrutiny that has followed him since the tragic loss of his wife. With Blessing’s public declaration of love and defense of his character, it remains to be seen how this will affect their relationship and the public’s perception of them both.
