Big Brother Naija star Bella Okagbue has addressed her breakup with fellow reality TV star Sheggz, saying she decided to speak out after watching others control the narrative.
In a series of posts on her Instagram Story on Friday, Bella said she initially stayed quiet to protect certain aspects of their relationship.
‘For the past few days, I have watched people tell my story for me. I stayed silent because I believed some things deserved to remain private, but my silence should never be mistaken for guilt,’ she wrote.
Bella said she genuinely loved Sheggz and stood by the relationship because she believed in it.
She added that she gave him a second chance because she believes people can grow.
‘I loved genuinely. I defended the relationship because I believed in it at the time, and I chose to give someone I loved a second chance because I believe people can grow and change. That was my choice, and I own it,’ she stated.
However, she noted that believing in someone’s growth does not mean waiting forever.
She also drew a line between Sheggz’s public image and who he was in private.
‘The person everyone experiences publicly isn’t always the person you experience privately,’ she said.
On speculation about marriage, Bella clarified that wanting marriage was not desperation, but knowing when to walk away was wisdom.
‘On marriage and the ring, let me be clear: wanting marriage with someone you love is not desperation. Knowing when not to marry them is discernment. Sometimes, it takes more courage to walk away than to stay. A ring doesn’t fix what made a relationship impossible.’
She acknowledged that different versions of events were circulating online, but said some parts of her experience would remain private for now.
‘I gave love a chance. I gave change a chance. I gave loyalty in abundance. But even loyalty has an expiry date when trust, respect and peace can no longer coexist with it,’ she wrote.
Bella concluded that she has no regrets but has now decided to prioritise herself.
‘I don’t regret being the woman who chose to try again. I respect the woman I am today enough to know when trying again is no longer the answer. So today, I choose myself. I choose differently, regardless of what comes with it,’ she concluded.