Nigeria: Marriage Crash - Lessons From Ay, Estranged Wife's Separation

14 April 2024

After years of trying to knit and weave the fabric of their 15 year-old marriage together, the seam has finally torn irreparably for comedian Ay, Ayo Makun and his estranged wife, Mabel as both parties in separate announcements have officially confirmed their marriage is over.

The marriage mess may have taken the centre stage on social media with a little bit of drama in the past, but there is indeed a lesson to be learnt from the ex-love-birds by other celebrities, whose separation had come at a huge cost of bitterness, acrimony and even open warfare.

Ay and Mabel, by their announcements have shown marriage is not a "do or die" affair with collateral damage, to be suffered by the couple and all others around them.

Both parties admitted their failures in keeping the union together but declined to point accusing fingers or wash their dirty linens in the public. Instead of war, they chose peace and according to their statements, it was in the interest of their two lovely daughters.

If life has taught us anything, it is that the nuptial vow, "forever together" is a myth. Ay and Mabel got this memo well understood. No protracted divorce mess, no banter of blames and possibly there won't be any custody drama.

Recall in an Instagram post last Sunday, AY confirmed his marriage was on the brink of collapse.

He said, "Yes, without compromising my family, I have found myself doing things I am not proud of today.

It is one thing to watch my friendship/marriage of 20 years slip off my hands, but it's another thing for the parties involved to understand how to appropriate the blame in a space that is designed for most women to always play the victims and win.

"I can tell you for free that no one is completely innocent enough to cast stones. I love how lies about me in all these blogs travel faster than the truth. But my painful truth will eventually beat away all the lies."

He stated that his personality and abilities confirm that he has reached a stage where he cannot entertain the public with deep personal family issues.

"They just might be too much concerning the individuals involved, not even when I have a grown-up daughter with access to social media. Her mental health needs to be protected from seeing things she can not be proud of online.

And the ex wife seems to have towed the same line of choosing peace over drama and even wishing her ex husband well.

Hear her: "I want to express my sincere gratitude for the supportive messages that I have received from everyone.

However, my silence should not be misunderstood and also the father of my children whom I have been with for some years deserves a certain level of respect and privacy from me and all the concerned parties. Most importantly because of our children whose mental health and general well being should be prioritized.

Many lies have been peddled against me and attacks orchestrated on the social media space but I will honour my kids with my silence and not address any of these lies.

Although my dreams of a lifelong marriage have taken a different direction now, I'm committed to moving forward with grace and resilience. I have faith in a brighter future for both myself and the children. Despite the rumors or opinions, I find comfort in the belief that all will be well.

While it's unexpected for things to end this way, I quietly ask for guidance from my faith as I step into this new chapter of life. Also as we navigate this change,I ask for your help in creating an atmosphere of respect and understanding. This is a challenging period, and I ask for privacy and consideration as we (my ex-husband and I) find our own path forward."

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