Chris Okafor steps aside from pastoral duties amid sexual allegations

By Tosin Brown –

Embattled cleric and head pastor of Liberation City Church, Chris Okafor has stepped down from pastoral duties amid growing outrage over multiple sexual allegations against him.

Last Sunday, Okafor publicly apologised to Nollywood actress Doris Ogala during a church service, where he knelt on the pulpit, admitted to past “mistakes” and sought forgiveness.

The development comes shortly after his wedding to a new bride, identified simply as Pearl, on December 16, 2025, a ceremony attended by prominent clerics.

Okafor was said to have gone ahead with the wedding despite Ogala’s viral accusations of betrayal, emotional manipulation and reneging on a promise of marriage following a long-term relationship.

Explaining his decision to step aside, Okafor said it was necessary for a period of retreat and time with his new bride.

Speaking during the church’s New Year crossover service, he said the break was for spiritual renewal, adding that he and his wife had not rested or gone on their honeymoon since their wedding and needed time for prayer, retreat and rest.

He stated that the break, which does not mean he will be totally absent from church activities, would last until February, after which he hopes to return “better and stronger”.

Meanwhile, allegations of sexual assault have escalated on social media in recent weeks, with more women coming forward, while Ogala has also alleged that Okafor was responsible for the death of her brother, a claim for which no formal police complaint has yet been made.