Nigerian music executive and artist manager Ubi Franklin has opened up about one of the darkest periods of his life, revealing that he once attempted to take his own life despite enjoying professional success and financial stability.
In a video shared on his Instagram page, Franklin said he decided to speak about his experience to encourage others who may be struggling with emotional challenges.
Reflecting on the breakdown of his marriage to actress Lilian Esoro, he said the separation left him deeply depressed and embarrassed, even though he believed he had done nothing wrong.
According to him, the emotional pain became overwhelming, leading him to contemplate suicide on several occasions.
Franklin recalled one incident when he drove to the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos intending to end his life, but was stopped by his cousin, Omini Stitches, who intervened in time.
“I went through a very dark period. I remember driving my red CL to Third Mainland Bridge because I wanted to commit suicide. Thankfully, my cousin, Omini Stitches, came and saved me. He rescued me on several occasions because I felt overwhelmed and didn’t know what else to do.
“I kept asking myself what I had done to deserve everything that happened. My career was thriving, I was managing some of the biggest artists in the country, and I thought it was the right time to settle down.”
Franklin said that with time, he came to accept that the relationship simply was not meant to last, although he admitted he still cannot fully explain what led to its collapse.
He revealed that he and Lilian Esoro have since rebuilt their relationship as friends and now maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship for the sake of their son.
According to him, his greatest blessing from the marriage remains their child, adding that he continues to support his ex-wife whenever he has the opportunity.
Using his experience as a lesson, Franklin urged people not to harbour hatred after painful experiences but instead see difficult moments as opportunities for growth and healing.
BACKSTORY:
Ubi Franklin is a Nigerian music executive, entrepreneur and talent manager who has worked with several top artistes in the country’s entertainment industry. Beyond his career achievements, he has also been open about the personal challenges he has faced, particularly following the breakdown of his marriage to actress Lilian Esoro.
The couple got married in 2015 and welcomed a son, but their marriage ended barely a year later, attracting widespread public attention and media scrutiny. The separation sparked speculation and became one of the most talked-about celebrity breakups in Nigeria.
In recent years, Franklin has spoken about the emotional toll the failed marriage had on him, revealing that he struggled with depression during that period. Despite the difficult experience, he said he and Esoro have since built a cordial relationship and now co-parent their son amicably.
His latest revelation about attempting suicide sheds more light on the depth of the emotional crisis he endured and highlights the importance of mental health awareness, resilience and seeking support during difficult times.
