Salawa Abeni reveals details about her failed marriage to Fuji star Kollington

By Folashade Olorunfemi –

Renowned Waka music star, Queen Salawa Abeni, has opened up about her failed marriage to Fuji star Kollington Ayinla, following his controversial declaration that she remains his wife despite their separation more than three decades ago.

Recall that Kollington stirred reactions in 2025 during an interview with comedian Teju Babyface, where he insisted that Salawa remained his wife regardless of whoever she marries, saying, “Whoever she is with has only borrowed her for some time. She is still my wife till the end of life”.

Speaking during a recent appearance on Oyinmomo TV, Salawa dismissed claims that she left the marriage because of pride or stubbornness, saying the circumstances surrounding the separation were beyond her control.

The 65-year-old singer said she had three children with Kollington and made every effort to save the marriage, adding that her mother never had more than one husband. She also disclosed that she documented the circumstances surrounding the separation in an album released after the marriage collapsed.

Salawa maintained that the failure of a marriage should not be seen as proof of bad character, describing marriage and its outcome as matters of destiny. She added that she has never claimed to be perfect in relationships.

When asked whether her marriage to Kollington contributed to the growth of her music career, the singer declined to give a direct answer but thanked fans who have continued to show concern about her life.

Before her marriage to Kollington, which ended in 1994, Salawa was married to Lateef Adepoju, founder of Leader Records. In 2024, she publicly introduced Rasheed Adahunse as her third husband.

Salawa began her professional career in 1976 with the release of her debut album, Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, which became the first recording by a female Yoruba artiste to sell over one million copies in Nigeria. She was crowned the “Queen of Waka Music” by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, in 1992.