Nigerian pastor Chris Okafor has made a heartfelt and public appeal to his congregation, asking for their loyalty and support as he navigates a growing public controversy with Nollywood actress Doris Ogala. The cleric, who leads the Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry, delivered the emotional message during a recent Sunday service, and a video of his plea has since gone viral, sparking intense debate online.
A Public Appeal for Loyalty
In the video circulating on social media, Pastor Chris Okafor addressed his church members from the pulpit with a message framed around mutual defense and grace. The pastor stated, "What fought against you has turned to fight against me." He reminded the congregation of his role in their lives, suggesting he had privately handled issues that could have destroyed them. Okafor emphasized the concept of reciprocal loyalty, asking his members, "Let’s assume I’ve been like a father to you for these years. Let’s assume that I even make a mistake—if I do, is it not your duty to fight for me?"
This public appeal comes directly amid a scandal involving actress Doris Ogala. Legit.ng had previously reported that Ogala threatened to sue the pastor over several allegations, including financial debt. The timing of Okafor's sermon has led many observers to believe his words were a direct, though indirect, response to the actress's claims.
Nigerians React: Accusations of Manipulation
The online reaction to the pastor's video has been largely critical, with many netizens accusing him of emotional manipulation. Comments compiled from social media platforms reveal a skeptical public.
One user, david_capable, commented, "This simply means that Doris Ogala has a point." Another, cyude, called it a masterclass in reverse psychology, stating, "This man has mastered the art of manipulation." The terms "gaslighting" and "emotional blackmail" were repeatedly used by commenters like snatchedby_bettybutter and sophire7 to describe the pastor's approach.
Some reactions called for scriptural accountability. User cyude added, "Pastor if you are guilty of what the woman accused you of just step down from the pulpit and go and stay with God till you are restored. That’s what the scripture says." Others, like cherieogodo, labeled him an "endtime pastor," questioning why people remain in his congregation.
Broader Context and Past Controversy
This is not the first time Pastor Chris Okafor has been in the news for controversial reasons. Legit.ng also reported that following Ogala's allegations, an old video of the pastor proposing to a woman resurfaced online. In that clip, the woman appeared hesitant as Okafor led her to the proposal spot, which further fueled public discussion about his character.
The core of the current scandal remains the serious allegations put forth by Doris Ogala, which have yet to be fully resolved in a public or legal forum. Pastor Okafor's decision to address his congregation in such a personal manner has undoubtedly amplified the story, shifting the narrative from a private dispute to a public test of faith and loyalty within his church community.
The situation continues to develop, keeping Pastor Chris Okafor's name among trending topics in Nigerian online spaces. The public awaits further clarification on the allegations from either party, while the church members are left to ponder their pastor's poignant appeal for solidarity.
