Founder of Grace Nation Ministry, Pastor Chris Okafor, has publicly addressed the controversy that followed his recent marriage, amid allegations from Nollywood actress Doris Ogala claiming a long-standing romantic relationship with the clergyman.
Okay News reports that the controversy erupted after a video showing Okafor’s engagement to another woman began circulating online, triggering claims by Ogala that she had been involved with the pastor since 2017. The actress alleged that she left her former marriage at Okafor’s insistence and accused him of betraying her after years of intimacy and repeated assurances of marriage. She also claimed the experience severely affected her emotional and mental wellbeing.
Following the engagement video, Ogala issued an ultimatum, demanding that the pastor either marry her or financially compensate her by purchasing a house. Despite the escalating claims, photographs from Okafor’s white wedding and traditional marriage ceremonies surfaced online last Wednesday, confirming that he had gone ahead with the marriage.
The development further intensified the dispute, with Ogala demanding ₦1 billion in damages from the clergyman over what she described as a breach of promise. The situation took another turn on Saturday when the actress was arrested after sharing a now-deleted social media post that featured an image of a man widely believed to be Okafor, shown in a private bedroom setting, appearing topless with a towel wrapped around his waist.
Breaking his silence on Sunday during a thanksgiving service at his church, Okafor framed the backlash as a spiritual attack, describing the reactions as “the devil’s anger” over the limited glimpse he and his new wife, Pearl, had shared with the public.
According to him, their journey into marriage was guided by prayer and divine direction, adding that the full details surrounding their union would only be disclosed at the appropriate time.
“Someday, at the right time, my wife and I will share our story. For now, we simply want to give thanks to God. We prayed, sought the face of the Lord, received direction, and followed it,” Okafor said.
“There are reasons behind our actions that may not be clear now, but in time, we will tell our story ourselves. No one else can tell it for us. We know God’s plan and how we arrived here. To God alone be the glory.”
He further suggested that certain moments in life are not meant for immediate public explanation.
“Some things are not disclosed until the time of maturity. The Bible speaks of Jesus being led into the wilderness until the day of manifestation,” he said.
“There are moments that cannot be revealed until the appointed time. Even with the little we chose to share, there was backlash, but we remain grateful.”
