Nigerian gospel music star Asu Ekiye, popularly known as the “Prince of the Niger Delta,” has clarified the circumstances surrounding the end of his 28-year marriage, stating that his wife initiated the separation and divorce proceedings.
The clarification comes shortly after the veteran singer publicly announced the dissolution of his union with Kunemofa Asu. In an initial statement posted on social media on August 20, 2026, Ekiye disclosed that the marriage, which began in 1998, had actually ended a year earlier.
He said he delayed the public announcement to allow time for perspective, clarity, and quiet acceptance of the personal transition. The couple has four children together.
Facing numerous calls and messages from concerned fans and followers after the announcement, Ekiye issued a further update to set the record straight. He emphasized that he did not initiate the decision to end the marriage.
“I have been receiving so many calls so I need to set the record straight. It was my wife that expressed her desire to end the marriage. She packed out of my house and subsequently instituted divorce proceedings without any quarrel. For about a year, I made every reasonable effort and appealed to her in every way I could, hoping that we could reconsider and preserve the marriage. Unfortunately, those efforts did not yield the desired outcome as she remained firm in her decision,” he stated.
In the fuller clarification shared on his social media platforms, Ekiye stressed that the move was made “respectfully and without any intention to cast aspersions on anyone.” He explained that after exhausting efforts at reconciliation, he accepted the reality of the situation and allowed the divorce process to proceed.
Ekiye added that he bears no bitterness or ill will toward his former wife. “After many years of shared experiences, I choose to approach this new chapter with grace, dignity, maturity and respect for all concerned,” he said.
The announcement and subsequent clarification have drawn significant attention within Nigeria’s gospel music community and among fans, many of whom expressed surprise at the end of such a long-standing marriage. Ekiye, known for hits that have resonated across the Niger Delta and beyond, has maintained a composed public posture throughout the disclosure.
The singer has not provided further details on the underlying reasons for the separation beyond the facts he outlined, focusing instead on closing the chapter with dignity while looking ahead.
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