Renowned Nigerian pastor Matthew Ashimolowo has found himself at the center of a major controversy following his decision to officiate the wedding of fellow clergyman Chris Okafor. The ceremony proceeded despite serious allegations made by Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, who claims Pastor Okafor betrayed her after a long-term relationship.
Allegations of Betrayal and a Wedding That Proceeded
The controversy erupted when actress Doris Ogala publicly accused Pastor Chris Okafor of leading her on with promises of marriage. Ogala stated the relationship began in 2017 and she was allegedly abandoned when news of Okafor's impending wedding to Pearl surfaced online. Despite her public outcry and threats to expose details of their relationship, the wedding went ahead on December 20, 2025, with Pastor Ashimolowo, founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), presiding as the officiating minister.
Ogala's reaction escalated further when she reportedly shared a private, shirtless photo of Pastor Okafor on her Instagram page, signaling her intent to follow through on her threats. This action intensified public scrutiny of the entire situation.
Fellow Cleric Voices Strong Disapproval and Moral Concerns
The development has drawn sharp criticism from within the Christian community. Dr. Charles Apoki, another senior cleric, expressed profound disappointment with Pastor Ashimolowo's involvement. In a video shared on his Facebook page, Apoki directly addressed Ashimolowo, stating, "I am ashamed of you. Any society that has no rules will collapse."
Apoki questioned the moral implications of officiating the wedding while such grave allegations remained unresolved. He argued that religious leaders must be mindful of the signals they send to their followers, especially on issues of morality and integrity. He accused Pastor Okafor of questionable conduct, alleging he abandoned his wife and children to live with the actress.
Broader Implications for Church Credibility
Dr. Apoki expanded his criticism, referencing viral social media clips where he claimed Okafor performed what he described as "false miracles." He warned that openly associating with figures facing such allegations could be seen as an endorsement of their conduct, thereby weakening the moral authority of the church.
To reinforce his argument, Apoki cited biblical examples like Achan, Ananias, and Sapphira, who faced consequences for moral failures, stressing that accountability remains a core Christian principle. He also drew parallels with African traditional values, where communities distance themselves from individuals accused of wrongdoing. "You don't greet him. You don't collect fire from his kitchen. You don't trade with him. Because when you do that, you seem to approve of his conduct," he stated.
As of now, neither Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo nor Pastor Chris Okafor has publicly responded to these damning comments from Dr. Apoki. The church drama continues to unfold, with many watching to see if other voices will join the conversation or if the involved parties will break their silence.
