By Crystal Ugoeze
Nigerian music executive and talent manager Ubi Franklin has opened up about the emotional struggles he faced after the collapse of his marriage to Nollywood actress Lilian Esoro, revealing that he battled depression and survived multiple suicide attempts.
Speaking on an episode of his podcast, Talks with Ubi Franklin, shared on Instagram, Franklin described the period following the end of his marriage as the darkest chapter of his life.
He recalled that he met Esoro on January 4, 2015, proposed to her on March 19, and organised an engagement dinner at Eko Hotel to celebrate with family and friends. However, he said Esoro did not attend the event after returning her engagement ring, leaving him embarrassed.
According to Franklin, Esoro later explained that she had developed cold feet about the engagement. After discussing their concerns, they reconciled and eventually got married.
Despite their efforts to make the marriage work, the relationship later ended in divorce.
Franklin said the separation took a devastating toll on his mental health, plunging him into depression and leaving him with thoughts of ending his life.
He recounted one incident in which he drove to Third Mainland Bridge intending to take his own life but was stopped by his cousin, Omini Stitches, who intervened in time.
Reflecting on the experience, Franklin said he struggled to understand why his marriage had failed despite having a successful career and a desire to build a family.
The talent manager noted that, although the marriage ended, he and Esoro chose not to engage in public disputes. Instead, they focused on maintaining a cordial relationship and co-parenting their son.
He described their son as the greatest blessing from the marriage, saying the child remains a source of joy despite the painful experience.
Franklin also encouraged people facing challenges in their marriages or relationships not to give up on life, stressing that painful experiences can become opportunities for growth and learning.