The Senior Pastor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Chris Okafor, has stepped down from pastoral duties following mounting public backlash over multiple sexual misconduct allegations.
Okafor recently issued a public apology during a church service to actress Doris Ogala, kneeling on the pulpit and admitting to past “mistakes” while asking for forgiveness. His decision to step aside comes shortly after his wedding to a woman identified as Pearl on December 16, 2025, an event attended by prominent Christian leaders.
The wedding took place despite Ogala’s viral accusations that the cleric betrayed her after a long-term relationship, emotionally manipulated her, and reneged on repeated promises of marriage.
Pressure from Christian leaders
As allegations against Okafor intensified on social media, with several women making similar claims, respected leaders within the Christian community reportedly urged him to step aside to ease tensions.
A senior executive of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), confirmed that pressure from church leaders influenced the decision.
“There are more disciplinary steps to be taken,” the official said, noting that the festive season delayed formal PFN meetings on the matter.
According to the source, Okafor agreed to step down for one month, with further decisions expected before the end of the period.
The PFN official clarified that the fellowship would not conduct a criminal investigation, stressing that allegations such as rape fall under the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies.
“PFN is not the police. We cannot arrest or prosecute anyone. Where criminal allegations exist, the government must act,” the source said, adding that the fellowship could only apply “spiritual discipline” where necessary.
Pastor says decision was spiritual
However, Okafor told his congregation during the church’s New Year crossover service that his decision was based on spiritual reasons rather than external pressure.
“I will be resting. This is a time for retreat, prayer, and rest with my wife,” he said, explaining that the break would last until February and would not mean complete withdrawal from church activities.
Origin of the allegations
The controversy began on December 14 when actress Doris Ogala posted emotional videos on Instagram, alleging a sexual relationship with the pastor that began in 2017 and lasted nine years. She claimed Okafor repeatedly promised marriage before marrying another woman.
Ogala also accused the pastor of sharing explicit materials, contributing to the breakdown of her previous marriage, and causing emotional and financial hardship. She later alleged that Okafor offered her $10,000 to retract her claims and demanded N1bn in damages through her lawyers, citing threats and intimidation following her arrest and detention.
As the scandal grew, other women made similar accusations, including Okafor’s former wife, Bessem Okafor, who alleged infidelity, deception, and physical abuse. A former church choir member, identified as Ebere, also claimed a long-term relationship with the pastor, alleging multiple abortions and the birth of a child he fathered.
Additional allegations surfaced from other women online, including claims of pregnancies and demands for DNA testing. Social media activist Martin Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, shared an audio recording of a woman who claimed to be Okafor’s daughter and accused him of inappropriate advances—an allegation the pastor has publicly denied.
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Police response
The Lagos State Police Command said it has not taken action against the pastor due to the absence of a formal petition.
“There is no complaint before us. Anyone with a petition should come forward,” police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi said.
Church members rally behind pastor
Despite the allegations, several church members dismissed the claims as blackmail and extortion. Long-time member Ruben Alufe described Okafor as a man of integrity and accused detractors of attempting to tarnish his image.
Other members and pastors within the church echoed similar sentiments, describing the situation as a spiritual challenge common in ministry and insisting they believed the pastor’s denials.
Christian leaders urge caution
Reacting to the controversy, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos chapter, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, urged ministers to live by the values they preach and warned that judgment begins within the church.
He said genuine repentance could open the door for forgiveness and restoration.
Similarly, Archbishop Osazee William, International Secretary of the Ecumenical Synods of Bishops in London, cautioned against public sensationalism, noting that pastors are human and capable of failure.
While condemning wrongdoing, he emphasized forgiveness and self-discipline, urging ministers to guard against personal weaknesses that could derail their calling.