Nigerian music executive and artist manager Ubi Franklin has revealed that the collapse of his marriage to actress Lilian Esoro plunged him into depression and led him to attempt suicide despite his successful career.

Franklin shared the emotional account in a video posted on his Instagram page, saying he decided to tell his story to encourage others facing difficult moments in life.

Recounting the period after his marriage ended, Franklin said he struggled with embarrassment and emotional pain because his wife left him even though, according to him, he had done nothing wrong.

He explained that while his career was thriving, his personal life was falling apart, leaving him overwhelmed and hopeless.

According to him, “I went through some crazy depressing positions. I remember one time I bought a red CL, and I drove that car to the Third Mainland Bridge to go and commit suicide.”

He disclosed that his cousin, Omini Stitches, intervened and rescued him.

“The only luck I had was my cousin brother Omini Stitches that came to save me. Several times I had tried to commit suicide, Omini saved me. Because I was so embarrassed, I didn’t know what to do. I felt like, what have I done to deserve all of this? I had a good career going for myself. I had like the biggest artist in the country at the time. Everything was fine, so I just felt like it was time for me to settle down,” he said.

Reflecting on the failed marriage, Franklin said he has come to accept that not every relationship is meant to last.

“So, sometimes I always feel like this relationship did not work, it was just meant to be that way. Till today I can’t really explain exactly what transpired, but we’re now very good friends. We co-parent very well, we celebrate events of our son.”

He described his son as the greatest blessing to come from the relationship and said he still wishes his ex-wife well.

“Sometimes, I have always believed that regardless of all the pain, the best result that I got from that was my son. And she’s still doing very well. Any opportunity I ever have to support her, I always do it to the fullest, and I pray that she continues doing well.”

Urging people not to hold on to bitterness after painful experiences, Franklin said difficult situations should be seen as opportunities for growth.

“The lesson I want you to learn from this is, I don’t want you to think that when something happens sometimes with a human being, you have to hate the human being. No, that’s not the case. Sometimes it is just an opportunity for you to learn from the process and keep it moving,” he added.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, reaching out to a trusted family member, friend, mental health professional, or local crisis service can make an important difference. You do not have to face it alone. (Nigerian Tribune)

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