Veteran Fuji musician, General Kollington Ayinla, has made a bold statement about his past relationship with fellow music star Queen Salawa Abeni.
Despite being separated for over three decades, the 76-year-old insists that Salawa remains his wife “until death.”
Kollington shared this during a recent interview on The Honest Bunch podcast hosted by Teju BabyFace. His comments have since stirred conversation across the entertainment world, especially among fans of both artists.
“She’s still my wife”, Kollington speaks
When asked about his former wife, Kollington did not hesitate. He said, “She is still my wife. No matter what happens. Even if she’s with someone else now, that man is only borrowing her. She belongs to me.”
According to him, the connection they built over the years has never faded. He pointed out that Salawa has not had any children with her current partner, while she shares three children with him. This, he believes, shows the depth of their bond.
“She has three children with me. That alone says it all,” he said. “Till the end of life, she is my wife.”
Reasons behind the split
Speaking on what led to their separation, Kollington didn’t give full details. But he hinted that fame and public attention played a role.
“She’s a celebrity. Men always run after female stars, just like women chase male musicians,” he explained. “But women don’t always understand the life we live. She didn’t fully understand me at that time.”
He also added that despite the split, Salawa continues to show up for him in times of need. “No matter what I’m doing, she always turns up,” he said with a smile. “She’s loyal. She has never left my corner.”
History of their relationship
Kollington and Salawa were once one of Nigeria’s most admired celebrity couples. They met in the early 1980s when both were rising stars in the music scene. Their union lasted eight years and produced three children.
However, in 1990, the couple went their separate ways. The breakup came after years of working together both on stage and off. At the time, fans were shocked, but neither of them spoke openly about the details of their split.
Now, more than 30 years later, Kollington’s new remarks have brought the relationship back into public discussion.
Public reacts to his comments
Since the interview aired, reactions have poured in from fans and observers. Many are surprised by the strength of Kollington’s words, while others question if Salawa shares the same feelings.
Salawa Abeni, now 63, has not yet responded to the claims. She is currently in a relationship with another man, but has kept much of her private life away from the spotlight.
Social media platforms have been buzzing with opinions. Some fans praised Kollington’s boldness, while others believe he should respect her current relationship.
A legacy beyond love
Both Kollington Ayinla and Salawa Abeni have made lasting marks on Nigerian music. Kollington, known for popularizing Fuji music, has released dozens of albums since the 1970s. Salawa, often called the “Queen of Waka,” broke records as the first female artist in Nigeria to sell over one million albums.
Their romantic history has always been part of their public story, adding to their legendary status.
Looking ahead
Whether or not Salawa responds to Kollington’s recent claims, one thing is clear: their history is deeply rooted in both music and personal connection. For Kollington, the love remains. He ended the interview with a simple, emotional statement:
“She will always be my wife. That is how God planned it.”
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