LAGOS — Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has escalated her public dispute with Pastor Chris Okafor, founder of Grace Nation International (formerly Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry), by issuing a formal pre-action demand for N1 billion in damages. The demand, dated December 16, 2025, accuses the cleric of breaching an alleged promise to marry her after a relationship that reportedly spanned eight to nine years, causing severe emotional, psychological, financial, and reputational harm.
The legal notice, issued by Ogala's lawyers at Synergy Law Partners and addressed to Pastor Okafor at his Ojodu Berger residence in Lagos, gives the pastor 21 days to comply or face court action. According to the letter, the relationship began in 2017 when Ogala, experiencing marital distress, sought pastoral guidance from Okafor. The lawyers claim the cleric made a "clear, consistent, and unequivocal" promise of marriage, reinforced by actions such as introducing Ogala to his family, including his children, and joint appearances at family events.
Ogala allegedly relied on this promise to her detriment, exiting her troubled marriage and forgoing reconciliation opportunities. The demand further alleges significant financial involvement, with Ogala claiming she entrusted Okafor with N45 million in a single transaction and granted him access to her finances based on trust in the impending union.
The situation reportedly deteriorated when Okafor publicly announced his engagement and proceeded to marry another woman, Pearl, in a ceremony on December 16, 2025, in Lekki, Lagos. Ogala's lawyers described this as a "calculated and publicly executed breach," leading to intense public scrutiny, online harassment, victim-shaming, and reputational damage for Ogala as a public figure in the Actors Guild of Nigeria.
Additional allegations include the unauthorized circulation of Ogala's private photographs, which the lawyers attribute to Okafor, exacerbating her emotional distress. The notice cites health consequences such as panic attacks, suicidal ideations, and psychological trauma, demanding N1 billion as aggravated and general damages.
While emphasizing that marriage cannot be compelled, the lawyers argue Nigerian law provides remedies for breach of promise when it results in substantial harm. Evidence reportedly includes photographs, videos, WhatsApp messages, and banking records supporting the claims.
As of December 18, 2025, Pastor Chris Okafor has not issued a public response to the demand letter or the allegations. Efforts to obtain comments from him or his ministry have been unsuccessful. Earlier, during a church sermon, Okafor indirectly addressed similar claims by stating no man would willingly marry an "arrogant" woman, without naming Ogala.
The controversy erupted publicly in mid-December 2025 when Ogala shared emotional videos accusing Okafor of ruining her life after ending their relationship. She vowed to disrupt his wedding and threatened legal action, later revealing conditions for resolution, such as purchasing a house for her. Ogala has denied blackmail accusations, insisting on justice for the alleged betrayal.
Social media reactions have been divided, with some supporting Ogala's pursuit of accountability and others criticizing the public nature of the dispute or questioning motives. The case has sparked broader discussions on relationships involving religious leaders, consent, privacy, and the validity of breach-of-promise claims under Nigerian law, which allows such suits if proven with evidence of intent and detriment.
Ogala, known for her roles in Nollywood films, has a history of speaking out on personal matters. Okafor, a prominent Pentecostal preacher, has faced prior public scrutiny but maintains a large following through his ministry's prophetic and humanitarian activities.
If the demand is unmet, a formal lawsuit is expected in a Lagos High Court. Legal experts note such cases are rare but viable if substantiated, potentially setting precedents for high-profile disputes involving promises of marriage.
The saga continues to dominate entertainment headlines, highlighting the intersection of personal relationships, celebrity, and faith in Nigeria's public sphere.
