Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Pastor Chris Okafor, the founder of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry, has formally withdrawn the public apology he previously offered to Nollywood actress Doris Ogala and other women, saying the earlier statement was misunderstood and made under pressure from associates rather than as an admission of guilt. The development marks the latest twist in a widely publicised dispute that has played out across social media, church pulpits and the legal system.
The controversy dates back to late 2025, when Ogala accused Okafor of being involved in a long-term romantic relationship beginning in 2017, alleging he had broken promises, including a pledge to marry her, and caused emotional harm and reputational damage. The dispute escalated after Okafor publicly proceeded with his engagement and subsequent marriage to another woman, identified in some reports as Pearl, drawing further criticism and public attention.
In December 2025, Okafor posted a video during a church service in which he knelt before his congregation and offered an apology to Ogala and others he said he had “offended”. In that earlier statement, he admitted mistakes had been made and asked for forgiveness, although he also insisted that not everything Ogala alleged was true. He described himself as imperfect, said he was willing to make restitution, and suggested that past conduct might have caused offence that he regretted. Ogala publicly responded by accepting the apology while rejecting claims that she had lied about her experiences.
The apology was interpreted by many observers — both supporters and critics — as a significant moment in the dispute. Some commentators saw Okafor’s kneeling and plea for forgiveness as a measure of humility, while others viewed it as public damage control. The episode also drew broader media coverage, including commentary on social media, because it involved a prominent cleric and a public figure in the entertainment industry.
In a new video that was shared publicly on March 4, 2026, Okafor clarified his stance and withdrew that earlier apology, saying it had been misunderstood and that he was pressured into making it. He specifically stated that the reason he apologised in the first place was to prevent influential religious leaders — whom he referred to as “fathers of faith” — from being dragged into the controversy. Okafor named senior figures in Nigerian Christian circles, including Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo and Bishop David Abioye, as among those he was attempting to protect by offering the apology.
Okafor declared that the apology was not directed at Ogala personally and that he would not apologise for actions he says he did not commit. Addressing his congregation, he said: “There is no single apology to that person because I don’t apologise for what I did not know, for what I did not do, for what I did not get involved in.” He further insisted that the matter is before the court and should be resolved through legal proceedings, urging anyone who claims to have evidence against him to present it in court rather than in public debate.
The public dispute between Okafor and Ogala has not been merely social media theatre; it has drawn legal attention and police scrutiny. Nigeria Police began a probe into several sexual assault and related allegations linked to the pastor, although a Premium Times report noted that one investigation was temporarily halted because complainants failed to appear as directed. Police confirmed that the case was transferred to higher command in Zone 2 for further handling, and that Okafor was released on personal recognition.
Social media excerpts from various online community pages indicate widespread public interest and reaction to both the initial apology and its subsequent withdrawal, with discussions ranging from support for due legal process to criticism of how spiritual leadership intersects with personal conduct issues.
Okafor’s decision to retract his apology has reignited debate over both his personal conduct and the broader responsibilities of religious leaders. Supporters of the pastor have welcomed his reaffirmation of innocence and commitment to legal adjudication, suggesting that a false apology could prejudice his defence. Others, including critics and advocacy voices on social platforms, argue that the controversy underscores the importance of transparency and accountability for public figures, particularly religious leaders who hold moral authority in their communities.
At this stage, Ogala has not publicly responded to Okafor’s withdrawal of the apology, and the legal processes are understood to be ongoing. Observers say the outcome of court proceedings — rather than statements from either party alone — will likely shape the lasting public narrative around this dispute.
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