Pastor Chris Okafor steps down from pulpit amid multiple relationship scandals

Pastor Chris Okafor, the founder of Grace Nation International, also known as Liberation City, has announced he will temporarily step aside from his pastoral duties for the month of January 2026.

The move comes amid growing public scrutiny over the pastor’s personal life following allegations involving multiple women, including actress Doris Ogala. Calls for him to relinquish leadership have intensified after videos surfaced showing his engagement to a younger partner.

During the New Year service, Okafor announced that four pastors under his leadership—Sylvester, Kelvin, Oliver, and Shadrach—would take charge of the Sunday services throughout January. He described the Sundays as “prophetic” and assured congregants that the church would continue to function smoothly.

Okafor explained that his temporary withdrawal is partly to allow for personal rest and a spiritual retreat. “While they are here, I will be resting, and it will be time for a personal retreat with God and time for me and my wife to rest,” he said. “Since our wedding, we have not rested, we’ve not had time, and we have not even done a honeymoon.”

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Though the pastor cited rest and spiritual renewal as reasons for stepping down, critics argue the timing coincides with mounting allegations of misconduct, including accusations of promising marriage and engaging in sexual relationships with multiple women.

The controversy began when a video showing Okafor with a younger partner went viral online, sparking debates about his personal and pastoral conduct. Following the video, actress Doris Ogala and other women came forward with claims of broken promises and inappropriate relationships.

Okafor’s announcement marks a rare moment of public retreat for the cleric, whose church has been a prominent voice in the Nigerian religious landscape. The temporary handover to other pastors is intended to maintain church activities without interruption.

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