My marriage breakup left me battling depression, says Ubi Franklin

Nigerian music executive Ubi Franklin has shared his struggle with severe depression and multiple suicide attempts following the breakdown of his marriage to Nollywood actress Lilian Esoro. In a candid episode of his podcast, "Talks with Ubi Franklin," he described the period as one of the darkest times in his life.

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After I engaged her, I set up a nice dinner at the Red Restaurant of Eko Hotel. I invited all my friends, big boys, everybody. Guess what? She didn’t turn up. She had dropped the rings and left. I was so embarrassed because it was a big thing on social media.

Franklin recalled the tumultuous beginning of their relationship, including a public engagement where Esoro unexpectedly returned the rings. "She had dropped the rings and left. I was so embarrassed because it was a big thing on social media," he said. Although Esoro later explained she had "cold feet," they reconciled and married. However, the union eventually ended in divorce, taking a significant emotional toll on Franklin.

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She said she just had cold feet. Sometimes people feel they are ready for something, but when it finally happens, they realise they are not.

"I remember one time, I bought a red CLA, and I drove that car to Third Mainland Bridge to go and commit suicide," Franklin recounted. He credits his cousin with saving his life on several occasions. He expressed feelings of embarrassment and confusion, questioning why he faced such hardship despite having a promising career and desiring to settle down.

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I remember one time, I bought a red CLA, and I drove that car to Third Mainland Bridge to go and commit suicide. The only luck I had was my cousin, my brother, Omini Stitches, who came to save me.

Despite the profound pain, Franklin emphasized that he and Esoro have avoided public disputes. They have maintained a friendship and are committed to co-parenting their son, who Franklin considers the greatest blessing from their marriage. He advised others experiencing marital difficulties not to lose hope, viewing such challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.

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We didn’t go on social media to fight ourselves. We became good friends… We try to live a good life for our son.