Music executive Ubi Franklin has shared an emotional account of his failed marriage to actress Lilian Esoro, revealing how the relationship pushed him into depression and, at one point, left him contemplating suicide.
In a heartfelt reflection, Franklin recalled meeting Esoro on January 4, 2015, before proposing to her just over two months later on March 19.
To celebrate the engagement, he organized a dinner at the Red Restaurant in Eko Hotel with friends and colleagues, but the evening took an unexpected turn when Esoro failed to show up.
“I met my now ex-wife on January 4 2015, engaged her on March 19 2015… I invited all my friends, big boys, everybody. And guess what? She didn’t show up.”
He described feeling humiliated as the incident became a major topic on social media, adding that he searched for her before she eventually explained she had developed cold feet.
Despite the setback, the couple reconciled and even travelled to London together. However, shortly after returning to Nigeria, Franklin said he found her engagement ring on the bed after she left again.
Months later, they reunited once more and eventually got married. Although the marriage later ended, Franklin said they chose not to turn their separation into a public battle.
“We didn’t go on social media to fight ourselves. We didn’t kill anybody. We became good friends, and we try to live a good life for our son.”
The music executive also spoke candidly about the emotional toll the failed marriage had on him, revealing that he battled depression and experienced suicidal thoughts.
“I remember one time I bought a red CLA and drove to 3rd Mainland Bridge to end my life. The only luck I had was that my cousin came to save me. Several times I tried to attempt it, and he saved me.”
Looking back, Franklin said he now believes not every relationship is meant to last and that he holds no resentment towards his ex-wife. Instead, he considers their son the greatest blessing to come out of the marriage.
“The best result I got from that relationship is my son… We co-parent very well. Any opportunity I have to support her, I always do it.”
He concluded by encouraging people not to allow failed relationships to turn into lifelong hatred.
“If something happens between you and somebody, sometimes it’s just an opportunity for you to learn from the process and keep it moving.”
Franklin’s candid account has resonated with many online, with fans praising his openness about mental health, forgiveness and co-parenting after divorce.
