Retired footballer and television presenter John Fashanu has explained why he wants to divorce his wife, Vivian, weeks after publicly announcing that their marriage had broken down.
John Fashanu said the relationship was no longer working and alleged that Vivian’s involvement in his business affairs contributed to the deterioration of his relationship with his eldest daughter, Amal.
“I was not manipulated to do anything. I am totally fit and well, and know what I want. I think it is time for a divorce because this marriage is not working, and my wife has been getting too involved in my business affairs and sowing discord between my daughter and me,” Fashanu said.
John Fashanu’s management team, led by Gabriel Princewill of The Eye Of Media, also confirmed that divorce papers had been served on Vivian the previous week and that legal proceedings were underway.
Fashanu and Vivian have been married for approximately three years, making her his third wife.
John Fashanu explains divorce decision
Fashanu’s latest comments come after months of tension involving his wife and daughter.
The family dispute became public in May after Amal raised concerns about her father’s health and wellbeing following a visit to Nigeria.
Amal subsequently spoke to the Daily Mail about her concerns, including questions surrounding Fashanu’s health and the management of his personal and business affairs.
Fashanu rejected the concerns and maintained that he was mentally and physically capable of making his own decisions.
At the time, he also defended Vivian, saying that he loved his wife and criticising some of the claims attributed to his daughter.
The situation later changed dramatically.
Fashanu apologises to daughter Amal
In August, Fashanu apologised to Amal for some of the comments he had previously made about her.
He also announced publicly that he intended to divorce Vivian.
Fashanu has now clarified that his apology related to the extent of his criticism of Amal and should not be interpreted as an admission that every allegation contained in the Daily Mail report was accurate.
“I was not manipulated to do anything,” he reiterated, insisting that he was fit, well and capable of making his own decisions.
According to Princewill, Amal’s concerns about her father intensified after she noticed that he had lost significant weight during her visit to Nigeria in May.
Princewill said Amal also expressed concerns that Vivian was allegedly taking advantage of Fashanu and influencing him against his daughter.
Vivian has rejected allegations that she exploited or isolated her husband.
Dispute over Abuja property
The family disagreement has also become intertwined with a long-running dispute involving an Abuja property belonging to Fashanu.
The property has reportedly been the subject of disagreements and legal proceedings for almost two years.
Fashanu agreed to sell the property to prospective buyers in 2024, but the proposed transaction reportedly collapsed after the buyers failed to meet the agreed terms.
He subsequently entered into other arrangements involving contractors and potential business partners who were interested in developing the property.
Those arrangements also reportedly broke down, eventually resulting in further legal disputes.
Among the cases was a fundamental rights action filed by Fashanu against the Nigeria Police Force following an encounter with officers concerning the property.
Another disagreement reportedly developed after one of the parties took possession of the property’s Certificate of Occupancy, leading to additional litigation.
N3 billion property at centre of dispute
The property has been valued at approximately ₦3 billion, while prospective buyers reportedly offered about ₦1.8 billion.
According to Princewill, Fashanu’s lawyers and Amal advised him to consider the offer in an attempt to resolve the dispute and avoid prolonged litigation.
Vivian reportedly opposed the proposal, arguing that selling the property for the amount offered would not be in her husband’s best interest.
She also accused Amal of influencing John Fashanu to distance himself from her and accept a lower offer.
Amal has denied that allegation.
Vivian has maintained that she did not exploit or isolate Fashanu and has disputed the allegations made against her throughout the family dispute.
She also alleged that Fashanu’s decision to divorce her was connected to his earlier criticism of Amal.
Fashanu maintains he knows what he wants
Despite the competing claims, John Fashanu has maintained that his decision to end the marriage is his own.
His latest statement appears aimed at addressing suggestions that someone may have influenced him into seeking a divorce.
By insisting that he is “totally fit and well,” Fashanu has sought to make clear that he believes he remains capable of making decisions concerning his marriage, business affairs and personal life.
The different allegations made by Fashanu, Vivian and Amal have not been established as facts by a court, and the legal proceedings remain ongoing.
John Fashanu’s football career
Fashanu was born in London to a Nigerian father and a Guyanese mother.
He enjoyed a successful professional football career, most notably with Wimbledon, where he was part of the team that famously defeated Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final.
He also represented England at senior international level, earning two caps, and played for Aston Villa before eventually retiring from professional football.
Following his playing career, John Fashanu moved into television and became widely known as the presenter of the British sports entertainment programme Gladiators.
His daughter Amal is a journalist and broadcaster and is also known for her work with the Justin Fashanu Foundation, established in memory of her uncle, former footballer Justin Fashanu, who died by suicide in 1998.
For now, John Fashanu’s decision to pursue a divorce marks another major development in a family dispute that has moved from public statements into the courts.
As proceedings continue, attention is likely to remain focused on the competing claims surrounding Fashanu’s marriage, family relationships and business interests.
