-Shimi Peter
Nollywood actress Chacha Eke has announced the end of her marriage to Austin Faani, making it the second time in two years.
The couple first met on a movie set in 2009 marking the beginning of their love story. The relationship blossomed over the years and in 2013 they were married. Their marriage of nine years produced four beautiful children, three daughters and a son.
In October 2020 however, she released a controversial video (now deleted) announcing the separation from her husband for the first time. “Some people say I am crazy but I am not and I am doing this video to let the whole world know that I am done with the marriage. I don’t have a lot to prove that I am done with him but am done. I’m leaving with my life finally, I can’t say a lot now but you will hear my story.” She said. This led to rumours that she suffered domestic violence.
A few days later, she debunked the video she made stating that her husband neither beat her nor raised his voice at her. She said, “Five days ago I made a video saying that my marriage to Austin Faani is over. That video came with a lot of backlash from people, with many insinuating that it was a clear case of domestic violence. It’s not. Austin has never raised his hand at me. He has never even raised his voice at me. And God in heaven knows that’s the truth. I’m here at First Delta American Hospital, Asaba receiving treatment. Several psychiatrists have come to access me mentally and I’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.”
Everything seemed normal until the recent turn of events when the actress again in June 2022 announced that her marriage crashed stating that she did not want to die or go missing.
She said, “Many have died pretending all is well whilst wishing, hoping and praying for a better tomorrow. I don’t want to ‘die’ or go inexplicably ‘missing’. True to random speculations, there has been trouble in my ‘perceived paradise.
For the second time in two years, I am here again on social media boldly declaring that I am done with my marriage. My long overdue /relentless stance on this is of course no news to Austin Faani, the doctors and my parents.
If push comes to shove and suddenly I am incommunicado, my lawyers, the welfare department and the Nigeria Police force have my testimonials in recorded video clips/statements set for public release on all social media and national newspapers.”
This was followed by prayers and well wishes from fans and celebrities.
Her husband Austin Faani addressed the allegation after days of silence. On Tuesday morning, he denied his wife’s domestic allegations against him on his official Instagram handle and absolved himself of any blame.
He wrote: ‘‘I am not a violent person. I detest violence in any form. I have never raised my hand to any woman in my life, including my wife. Everyone close to this case knows the absolute truth; it is not my place to divulge it. The one person who started the talk will, in due time, continue to talk. Let light lead.”
Chacha Eke ends Marriage; Bipolar Disorder or Domestic Violence?