Prominent Nigerian businessman and politician, Sir Don, has broken his silence following AfrikMedia’s viral post, offering a clear and factual account of his short-lived marriage to Sharon Maduekwe who is now married to Shawn Faqua. In a statement made available to the press, Sir Don described the relationship as “a mistake that no man my age should ever make.”

He explained that the marriage was built on the wrong foundation and did not reflect the values of faith and discipline that guide his life today.

“There was nothing godly about the foundation of that marriage,” he said. “It was a decision I should never have made, and I take full responsibility. It cost me my peace, my dignity, some friends and temporarily strained my relationship with my daughters. I must admit my mistake and take responsibility for what I put my family through.”

Sir Don recounted meeting Sharon in 2016 when she was a struggling student working as an usher at his father’s burial. She confided in him that she was about to drop out of school, out of compassion, he gave full educational scholarship, a monthly graduate salary allowance and sponsored her brothers’ education.

Additionally, he also helped her parents, who lived in Ikorodu, by supporting her mother and a funded a business for her father.

He later funded her event planning training and established her event management company, covering all the start-up costs and guiding her through its early growth with funds and connections to clients.

“I believed she could do better for herself, so I invested heavily in her education and family. Unfortunately, that kindness was misinterpreted, and the relationship became something it should never have been,” he said.

The businessman/Lawyer revealed that from the start of the marriage, the relationship was toxic and filled with constant quarrels, disputes, and embarrassing situations including some involving misappropriation of funds from her clients, unpaid vendors etc… a pattern he said no man of his values should tolerate.

“I don’t want to wash her dirty linen in public … as I want her to remain in this new marriage and leave the fake Instagram life because I know what’s true and what’s not. That was not the life I wanted nor the reputation I worked hard to build,” he said. “It became clear that peace could not exist in that environment.”

He clarified that contrary to social media reports, Sharon herself asked for a divorce twice (with evidence) shortly after their wedding, before he eventually decided to end the marriage and the drama.

Don specifically emphasized that the marriage did not collapse suddenly but did as a result of accumulated issues, including what he described as Sharon’s lack of gratitude, sense of entitlement, financial greed, constant quarrels, disrespect and other sensitive situations he asked us not to mention.

“Let it be clear, I did not just wake up one morning and asked for a divorce. It was an accumulation of issues, and the situation had become unbearable. I ended the marriage so it would not end me,” he stated.

Don said he was shocked when Sharon demanded a substantial portion of his wealth in the divorce for a marriage that lasted less than nine months, making the entire process appear transactional and opportunistic.

Despite that, he ensured she was well settled, providing her with a roof over her head, a car, and cash to start afresh. When they were married her had promised her a trip to Paris, Italy etc, but literally while they were in divorce court, he kept his word and sent her on an exotic trip Paris and Italy with all expenses paid for. As she had never been to Europe before and he felt he make it happen.

“I prayed with her on our last day together and wished her well,” he said. “I even told her that I pray and hope she would find her own person, and in that moment, she even offered to curate my future wedding… that was how peaceful I wanted things to end.”

He expressed disappointment that despite his efforts to end things amicably, Sharon has continued to feed damaging narratives online. Even as at yesterday, Sharon’s father called to apologize to Don on behalf of his Daughter, stating that his family will forever be grateful for his kindness.

“I have kept quiet long enough, but it is time to correct these lies. I have moved on and so should she. I strongly advise her to desist from mentioning my name or that of my family in any capacity. The latter will be addressed legally and that includes blogs and press. I am not interested in public drama or deceitful storytelling.”

“Paying blogs to carry a story of the past for clout is never a way to start a new marriage. Testimonies built on false narrative is an attention a child of God must avoid. We both made mistakes and Our story is more of a lesson to Men and women. Our Testimony is God’s mercy in helping us find our person eventually despite both our mistakes.” He stated

Reflecting on his experience, Sir Don said the episode has been one of the biggest lessons of his life.

He was engaged to another woman when he met Sharon which destroyed that relationship, a mistake he said he will never make again.

“You do not marry your side-chick and expect wife material,” he stated. “Marriage must begin on the right foundation… built on respect, faith, and maturity. I have since learnt that lesson, and by the grace of God, my life today reflects peace, wisdom, and restoration.”

Sir Don noted that his current marriage has brought him stability and peace, restoring the bond with his family and daughters.

“God gave me another chance at life, and this time, I did it right …with the blessings of my family and in the presence of God. My current wife has brought peace and balance back into my life, and for that, I am grateful,” he said.

It is important to note that Don affirmed that this public clarification was necessary “to put an end to the half-truths, lies and misrepresentation” surrounding his name.

Sir Don says his focus is now on faith, family, and public service. “Mistakes teach. I learnt mine the hard way, and I thank God for mercy and grace. I have moved on in peace, and I intend to remain there.”