Nigerian socialite Kelly Kosi recently bared her soul on the Honest Brunch podcast, hosted by Nedu, Deity Cole, and Ezinne.
Her candid conversation about her life, particularly her early marriage and its fallout, captivated both the hosts and listeners alike.
Kelly’s story is one marked by surprising twists. She shared how she went from being the wife of a pastor to becoming the independent woman she is today. Her marriage, which began when she was just 17 years old, was fraught with complications. She recalled how her foster mother played a pivotal role in introducing her to her future husband—an experience that she found both confusing and difficult to understand at the time.
“I didn’t even know why she did that,” Kelly said, reflecting on how her foster mother handed over her number to the pastor, sparking the beginning of a relationship that would become a whirlwind. The pastor, she said, had claimed that after a brief touch, he felt a spiritual connection to her, leading him to believe she was destined to be his wife.
The relationship escalated rapidly. Within months, Kelly was living with him, and by the time she turned 18, she had given birth to her first child. The challenges kept piling on, and by 19, she had her second child. At just 20, her marriage was over.
Reflecting on the early days, Kelly recalled how her ex-husband, who was 31 at the time, insisted on isolating her from her foster mother. “He made me stop talking to her,” she shared with regret, adding that it was one of the biggest mistakes she made during that period.
When the marriage came to an end, Kelly was still young and inexperienced, leaving her bewildered by the divorce process. “I didn’t even know how divorce worked,” she admitted, explaining that she only learned the marriage had been annulled after her lawyer informed her. “It was as if it never existed,” she said.
At just 20 years old, Kelly found herself navigating the complexities of life as a single mother, trying to make sense of a future she hadn’t planned for. “I was just 20 and trying to figure out my life,” she said, showing a maturity that only came with experience.
Her candid account not only sheds light on the challenges of young marriage but also highlights the personal growth and resilience that Kelly has found as she navigates her journey to independence. Now, as a socialite and independent woman, Kelly’s story serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
