Once you’re my ex, you remain in the past

By Rita Okoye

Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Queen Mercy Atang, has publicly called out an ex-lover who attempted to reconnect with her on Valentine’s Day, accusing him of previously participating in a smear campaign against her during a difficult period in her life.

Atang, who recently confirmed that her marriage to David Oyekanmi has ended, shared a screenshot of the romantic message the unnamed ex allegedly sent her, describing his attempt at reconciliation as hypocritical and ill-timed.

In a strongly worded post on her Instagram page, the divorced mother of one expressed outrage that the same man who, according to her, once spread damaging rumours about her, was now seeking her attention and forgiveness.

She recalled that in 2024 around the time she got married, her ex allegedly recruited friends and acquaintances to circulate false stories about her across social media platforms including WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Instagram.

According to Atang, she was deeply hurt by the claims and made several efforts to stop the situation from escalating, including reaching out to him directly and contacting people close to him.

“I called you and asked why. Instead, I left you for God to judge,” she wrote, adding that she also contacted his boss and his brother who she said is a friend of her family while struggling emotionally over the situation.

Atang further alleged that her friends stood up for her publicly during the period when she could not defend herself.

“Remember how my girlfriends were fighting your friends for me on WhatsApp, defending me when I couldn’t defend myself,” she said.

Reacting to the Valentine’s message, the reality TV star questioned her ex’s motives, suggesting that he may have assumed she was now vulnerable because her marriage had ended.

“Or because I’m no longer married, you think I’m desperate for love?” she asked, stressing that she no longer sees herself as the emotional romantic she once was.

“My brother, love is no longer in my dictionary… I’m no longer the mumu lover girl I used to be,” she added.

Atang also clarified that the relationship in question dated back to 2013 when she was a student at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), and insisted that she does not believe in rekindling old relationships.

“For the record, we dated in 2013 at UNIZIK. When it ended, it ended. Once you’re my ex, you remain my ex for life,” she wrote.