LAGOS — Pastor Chris Okafor, founder of Grace Nation International (formerly Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry, also known as Liberation City), has married his fiancée, Pearl, in a ceremony held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in Lekki, Lagos. Photos from the traditional and white wedding surfaced online on Wednesday, December 17, drawing widespread attention and mixed reactions amid ongoing public allegations from Nollywood actress Doris Ogala.
The wedding proceeded without reported disruptions, attended by family, friends, and fellow clergymen. Images showed the pastor in a white suit with a black bow tie, seated beside his bride in a white gown holding a bouquet of pink flowers. The event marked a personal milestone for Okafor, who divorced his previous wife, Bessem Okafor, in 2014 following accusations of domestic abuse.
The marriage comes weeks after Ogala publicly accused Okafor of ending a nine-year intimate relationship—allegedly starting in 2017—with a promise of marriage, only to engage another woman. In viral videos and social media posts, Ogala claimed the pastor ruined her life, pressured her to leave her own marriage, shared private explicit content without consent, and caused emotional trauma, including miscarriages and financial exploitation. She vowed to disrupt the wedding and demanded compensation, including a house.
During a live session with media personality Daddy Freeze, Ogala detailed their fallout, sharing alleged chat records and threatening legal action for breach of promise. She reported attempting suicide and suffering health declines, exacerbated by her brother's death, which she linked to unresolved disputes.
Okafor responded indirectly during a church sermon, stating no man would willingly marry an "arrogant" woman, without naming Ogala. Following the wedding, Ogala released videos alleging the marriage was "forced" due to Pearl's pregnancy, claiming Pearl's mother—a church choir coordinator—insisted on it to avoid scandal. She further alleged Okafor had planned to marry another woman earlier.
On December 18, Ogala's lawyers issued a formal demand letter seeking ₦1 billion in damages for emotional, psychological, financial, and reputational harm, giving Okafor 21 days to comply or face court action. The letter cited evidence of marriage promises, financial transfers (including ₦45 million in one instance), and unauthorized disclosure of private photos.
Pearl, the new wife, broke her silence in a viral video, describing their union as "divinely arranged" and expressing eagerness to bear children for Okafor.
Social media reactions were polarized. Many criticized Okafor for proceeding amid the allegations, questioning the bride's decision given "red flags." Others condemned Ogala for publicizing private matters or praised the couple's happiness. Comments highlighted concerns over clergy conduct, women's rights in relationships, and the validity of breach-of-promise claims in Nigeria.
Okafor has not issued a direct public response to the latest allegations or legal demand. His ministry continues operations, focusing on prophetic and humanitarian activities through the Chris Okafor Humanity Foundation.
The controversy has reignited debates on accountability for religious leaders, consent, and personal relationships in the public eye. Legal experts note breach-of-promise suits are rare but possible under Nigerian law if evidence of intent and detriment is proven.
As the story unfolds, Ogala has indicated willingness to provide court evidence, including chats and videos. The wedding, initially private, has thrust the couple into intense scrutiny, with potential implications for Okafor's public image and ministry.
