Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, wife of veteran journalist Reuben Abati, has shared details of her personal journey through two failed marriages before finding love again.
Speaking in a recent interview on The Morayo Show, Atanda-Owo disclosed that her first marriage ended after she discovered her husband was gay. She said her second marriage was marked by infidelity and abuse.
“My Scars Have Healed”
Reflecting on her experiences, Atanda-Owo said the challenges ultimately strengthened her and reshaped her understanding of relationships.
“I’m a woman who has been divorced twice,” she said. “I’ve been burnt, but my scars have healed, and I’ve found victory. In that victory, there is healing first. You must first see yourself before you can align with someone else.”
She noted that while both marriages ended painfully, she holds no regrets. According to her, the experiences led to the birth of her children, whom she described as her “greatest investment.”
“When I look at my children, I say to myself, how better would I have had them if not through these experiences?” she added.
Lessons on Love and Alignment
Atanda-Owo advised both men and women to prioritise self-awareness when choosing a partner. She stressed that compatibility goes beyond affection and public expectations.
“You must find somebody who will align with your journey,” she said, adding that love alone is not always sufficient to sustain a relationship.
She also revealed that she once equated a man’s declaration of love with an intention to marry, a belief she traced to her upbringing. According to her, this mindset influenced some of the choices she made earlier in life.
Call for Honesty and Support
While clarifying that she does not judge individuals based on sexual orientation, Atanda-Owo emphasised the importance of honesty in relationships. She urged people to avoid deception and to be truthful about who they are.
She further encouraged individuals in abusive relationships to seek help, stressing that there is hope beyond difficult seasons.
Now married to Abati since 2020, Atanda-Owo said she is grateful to have found clarity and purpose before entering her current marriage, describing it as a union built on mutual understanding and shared vision.
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