Ubi Franklin Opens Up on Suicide Attempt After Marriage Breakdown
Nigerian music executive and entrepreneur Ubi Franklin has opened up about one of the darkest moments of his life, revealing that the collapse of his marriage left him emotionally devastated and pushed him to attempt suicide on Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge.
Speaking during a recent interview, Franklin shared his personal experience in an effort to encourage conversations about mental health and the emotional challenges many people silently endure. He explained that the breakdown of his marriage had a profound impact on his emotional well-being, leaving him overwhelmed by feelings of despair and hopelessness.
According to Franklin, the period following the end of his marriage was marked by intense emotional pain, public scrutiny and personal struggles that became increasingly difficult to manage. As a public figure, he said he found it challenging to cope with criticism and the pressure that accompanied the highly publicised collapse of his relationship.
The music executive recalled that at the height of his emotional distress, he went to the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos with the intention of ending his life. He described the experience as one of the lowest points in his journey, adding that he now considers himself fortunate to have survived the ordeal.
Franklin said looking back on the incident has reinforced his belief that mental health challenges should never be ignored. He urged individuals experiencing emotional difficulties to seek help from trusted family members, friends or qualified mental health professionals rather than suffer in silence.
He also acknowledged that societal expectations often discourage many people, especially men, from expressing emotional vulnerability. According to him, the fear of being judged or misunderstood can prevent people from seeking the support they desperately need during difficult times.
The revelation has sparked widespread reactions on social media, where many Nigerians commended Franklin for speaking openly about his experience. Supporters described his testimony as courageous and expressed hope that it would encourage more people struggling with depression, anxiety or emotional trauma to seek assistance.
Mental health advocates have also welcomed the disclosure, noting that public figures who share their personal experiences can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. They emphasised that depression and suicidal thoughts are serious health concerns that require compassion, understanding and professional support.
Experts say relationship breakdowns, financial pressures, public criticism and other major life events can significantly affect an individual’s mental health. They encourage anyone experiencing persistent feelings of hopelessness, emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm to reach out to healthcare professionals or trusted support networks as early as possible.
Franklin explained that his experience transformed his outlook on life and strengthened his appreciation for resilience, faith and the support of loved ones. He said he now uses his story to encourage others never to give up, regardless of how difficult their circumstances may appear.
The entertainment executive added that healing is a gradual process and that recovery often begins with acknowledging one’s struggles and accepting help. He urged society to show greater empathy toward people facing emotional challenges instead of dismissing or mocking their experiences.
His comments have renewed conversations about the importance of prioritising mental health in Nigeria, where awareness continues to grow despite lingering stigma. Stakeholders have repeatedly called for improved access to mental health services, counselling and public education to ensure that individuals receive timely support.
Franklin’s account serves as a reminder that emotional struggles can affect anyone, regardless of status or success. By sharing his experience, he hopes others facing similar challenges will recognise that help is available and that recovery is possible with the right support.
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, seek immediate help from a trusted family member, a mental health professional, or your local emergency or crisis services. Reaching out for support can make a critical difference.
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