×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Pastor Chris in messy divorce: Report

Popular Nigerian Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s marriage of about 22-years is reportedly falling apart.

According to a report by online publication Thecable.ng; the divorce proceedings are almost final after Rev. Anita Odegwa Oyakhilome filed divorce papers on April 9, 2014 in London.

Odegwa is reportedly seeking divorce on the grounds of “unreasonable behaviour” and “adultery”.

Close sources told the publication that that the leader of the Christ Embassy church ‘has denied allegations of adultery and believes his wife is being influenced by “bad friends” who are intent on destroying their home.’

"The members of the church have been aware of these issues for a long time. These allegations are not new. What is new is the divorce issue. We are surprised that she (Anita) went to file the suit in London despite the fact that they got married in Nigeria, obviously for financial reasons,” a church elder reportedly told ThisDay newspaper.

“What is happening to Chris can happen to any man of God. He (Chris) will seek the face of God and come out strongly from this. He has been taking it calmly. Remember the case of American preacher, Benny Hill. His wife divorced him but he eventually remarried her again. Just like Benny Hill, Chris will come out stronger from this," they continued.

It seems many church members have been concerned about the divorce rumours for a while now.

Earlier in May this year, a group called “Where is Rev. Anita Oyakhilome?” was launched on Facebook where members wondered about the absence of the Pastor’s wife from church events.

Meanwhile all the pictures and mentions Pastor Chris’ wife have been removed from the church’s official website, www.christembassy.org.

Anita Odegwa Oyakhilome is the vice-president of Believers' Love World Inc, the registered name of the ministry, while her husband serves as President.

The couple have two teenage daughters named Sharon and Charlyn.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.