Nigeria’s table tennis player Funke Oshonaike has revealed that her ex-husband assaulted her in the presence of her father and pastor.
Oshonaike’s comments come in the wake of the death of gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu who was allegedly abused for many years by her husband.
Oshonaike, 46, told her story in a lengthy Facebook post on Wednesday, saying she understood what women in abusive relationships were facing.
“I’ve been physically, emotionally and mentally abused by two different men and I know how it felt,” she said.
“The first one was at a younger age. He didn’t only abuse me, but carted away with all my money and my properties, I mean all that I worked for as a young girl.
“He dealt with me! I was his mugun, it was like I was charmed because all that I had was in his name!! I had to run away from him with the advice of some wonderful people around me and the advice the police gave to me.
“I had to start my life back when I came back from Atlanta 96. He was still waiting for me to come give him all I earned! But God delivered me from his wicked hands. Oh how much I suffered!! I was living in bondage! I was his slave.
“The second was with my ex husband. A good and a kind man, but not a good husband to me. His own problem was his background. That’s what he saw growing up, so he didn’t know any other way to deal with an argument than to raise his hands.
“My parents, friends, loved ones, pastor, church couldn’t help me. They all told me he will change, or I should change from my ways, I should pray and fast for him, I should be patient etc but not to leave.
“Do you know that he even beat me in front of my daddy and even in front of my pastor ??!! Hmm!”
The African table tennis champion noted that one time she contemplated killing her ex-husband but instead ran to the police and the assault stopped.
“So my beautiful women out there that is going through an abusive relationship or marriage, please I understand what you are going through. I know how hard it’s for you.
“Please be strong right now and flee. Love yourself enough to know that you’re stronger, you will be fine . No man has the right to lay his filthy hands on you. Please I beg you, go away from him NOW! Let him go and sort himself out by going for a therapy or deliverance.
“I was lucky to have survived two different abusive relationships, you might not! I had patience for more than 10 yrs with my ex but he never changed. I guess I should be blamed for that because I encouraged that for a long time.
“I was afraid of how to start my life all over again with my two kids. It was very hard for me from the beginning with all the expenses but I am happier today because I left,” she added.
