I’m on my complete healing journey: Ruth Matete reflects on moments with her late husband
By Valerian Khakayi, July 3, 2026Gospel singer Ruth Matete has opened up about her healing journey as she reflected on cherished memories with her late Nigerian husband, John Olakami Apewajoye.
In a series of heartfelt posts shared on social media, Matete shared throwback photos taken after her husband had paid the dowry and received the family’s blessing for their marriage.
She said the moment remains one of the treasured memories she continues to hold close as she heals.
“This is after he had paid the dowry and given the go-ahead to marry me,” Ruth wrote.
In another post, the singer admitted that although the pain of loss never completely disappears, she has made significant progress in her healing journey.
“I’m on my complete healing journey. Truth is, it never ends,” she said.
Matete also explained why she has recently been sharing photos from important milestones in their relationship, saying she never had the opportunity to post them when those events took place.
She added that revisiting and sharing those memories has become part of her healing process.
“It just gets better. I didn’t get a chance to share my traditional wedding pictures or my wedding or even burial. So bear with me if I seem to post them so much lately,” she explained.
“This is how I heal.”
Ruth on husband’s death
The gospel singer has previously spoken about navigating life after the tragic loss of her husband.
Ruth said she was unable to look at photos or videos of her late husband for five years after his death because the grief was too overwhelming.
She noted that everyone mourns differently and urged people not to let others dictate how they should grieve.
“When my husband died, I was so scared to see his pictures or videos. I avoided anything that would have his photos or videos. I just didn’t have the grace and courage. It took me 5 years to willingly check out his pictures or videos. I guess we mourn differently. Don’t let anyone tell you how to mourn. Do what works for you,” she said.
She also dismissed the notion that six years is enough time to “move on,” describing mourning as a deeply personal journey. She said remembering and celebrating her late husband through photos and memories is part of her healing process, adding that she will never forget him and continues to honour his memory.
“I should have moved on. I mean, 6 years is enough time to do that. Right? Wrong. Mourning is a journey. A personal one for that matter. I can’t forget him. I will always remember him,” Ruth added.
“This is healing for me. This is how I heal. This is how I celebrate him. This is how I remember him. My love. My Yoruba prince. My okomi. Continue resting in power, my sweetheart.”