Pastor Tolu Odukoya Shares Candid Views on Marriage and Divorce
In a recent podcast appearance, Pastor Tolu Odukoya, associate senior pastor at Fountain of Life Church and daughter of late clerics Taiwo and Bimbo Odukoya, has sparked widespread discussion with her frank opinions on marriage and divorce. Speaking on the Archives of Becoming podcast, she described marriage as a beautiful union but emphasized that many people approach it incorrectly, leading to foundational issues.
Marriage as a Selfless Partnership, Not for Everyone
Pastor Tolu elaborated on her stance, stating that marriage is God's design for a selfless partnership rather than a means of control. She expressed skepticism about marriage being suitable for everyone, noting that compatibility and destiny play crucial roles. "People might be good but they might not be good for you," she said, highlighting that many marriages fail because they were never meant to be in the first place. She urged a return to core values and proper foundations to prevent such failures.
Divorce as a Profound Loss, with Exceptions
Despite being divorced herself, Pastor Tolu voiced strong opposition to divorce, describing it as a profound loss. She believes it is not God's idea and advocates for fixing marriages whenever possible. However, she made an exception for cases involving physical abuse, stating that such situations warrant separation. She called on churches to teach forgiveness and compatibility to help couples navigate challenges and avoid divorce.
Remarrying: God's Idea for Companionship, Not Necessarily Marriage
When asked about remarrying, Pastor Tolu clarified that while God intends for people not to be alone, she does not necessarily endorse remarriage for everyone. "I can't come and say it's God's idea to remarry, but I know it's God's idea for us not to be alone," she explained. She stressed that marriage demands selflessness and readiness to sacrifice, warning that selfish individuals should avoid it. Her comments reflect a nuanced view that prioritizes personal readiness and spiritual alignment over societal expectations.
Background and Public Reaction
In 2025, Pastor Tolu confirmed the end of her own marriage in a viral video, revealing separation since 2021. Her recent remarks have ignited mixed reactions on social media. Some users criticized her, questioning her pastoral authority, while others supported her perspective on character and compatibility in marriage. For instance, one commenter argued that marriage is for everyone, but character differences can lead to issues, highlighting the divisive nature of the topic.
Additionally, Pastor Tolu recently remembered her late mother, Pastor Bimbo Odukoya, expressing gratitude for her mother's kindness, strength, and loving example. This personal reflection adds depth to her views on relationships and family values.
