PFN helpless as sex scandals overwhelm new generation churches

BY TOSIN ADAMS

In recent years, the intersection of the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, and the charismatic church movement has become a focal point for public discourse, often fueled by high-profile scandals that blur the lines between faith, fame, and personal conduct. The recent saga involving actress Doris Ogala and Pastor Chris Okafor is perhaps the most striking example of this phenomenon, drawing in other notable figures like Psalm Okpe, Apostle Chikere, and Eucharia Anunobi as the public examines the moral fabric of modern religious leadership.

The controversy surrounding Doris Ogala and Pastor Chris Okafor, founder of Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry, erupted in late 2025. Ogala, a well-known Nollywood actress, shocked the public by alleging a clandestine nine-year relationship with the cleric. The scandal reached a fever pitch when Okafor married another woman, prompting Ogala to file a formal legal demand for ₦1 billion in damages for what her legal team described as a “botched marriage claim”. Ogala’s allegations were not limited to emotional betrayal. The actress claimed that Okafor had repeatedly promised her marriage and that their relationship was an open secret within certain circles. As the drama unfolded, the Lagos Commissioner of Police confirmed that the department would investigate various complaints, including serious allegations of misconduct.

In response to the mounting pressure and public outcry, Pastor Okafor announced a temporary one-month leave from the pulpit in January 2026 to “seek God and reflect.”

But this hardly settled when Psalm Okpe, the founder of Fresh Oil Ministry, has previously faced his own share of controversy, including legal battles and allegations concerning his personal life. His name often resurfaces in these discussions because he represents a specific brand of “celebrity pastor” who navigates the same social circles as Nollywood elites. Similarly, Apostle Chikere (often associated with the industry through his brother, director Tchidi Chikere) occupies a space where show business and ministry collide. While Chikere has built a reputation as a prophetic voice, the proximity of his family to Nollywood’s “drama” often makes him a subject of scrutiny whenever a new church scandal breaks. For many Nigerians, these figures symbolise a trend where the “anointing” is sometimes overshadowed by the allure of the spotlight and the complexities of human relationships.

In stark contrast to the scandals is the veteran actress Eucharia Anunobi. Once known for her provocative “bad girl” roles in movies like Glamour Girls, Anunobi shocked the nation years ago by announcing her conversion and subsequent ordination as an evangelist.6However, her transition has not been without its own controversies. Anunobi has remained a lightning rod for debate due to her outspoken and often unconventional views on faith. She has made headlines for suggesting that “sex before marriage is important” to prevent domestic issues and has been critical of “fake” religious practices.7 Unlike the others, Anunobi’s “scandals” are usually centered on her theology rather than allegations of hidden affairs, making her a unique figure who attempts to bridge the gap between her Nollywood past and her ministerial present.

These scandals serve as a mirror to the societal tensions in Nigeria. The deep-seated respect for religious leaders is frequently tested by the “receipts” and “call-outs” characteristic of the social media age. When an actress like Doris Ogala challenges a man of God in court, it signals a shift in power dynamics where the “fear of the anointed” is being replaced by a demand for accountability. The involvement of names like Psalm Okpe and Apostle Chikere highlights a systemic issue: the lack of oversight in independent ministries. Meanwhile, Eucharia Anunobi’s journey reminds us that the path from the screen to the pulpit is fraught with public skepticism. Ultimately, the Doris Ogala and Chris Okafor case may set a legal and social precedent for how romantic grievances and alleged professional misconduct are handled within the Nigerian church. As the investigation continues, the public remains divided between those who see these events as a spiritual “sifting” and those who view them as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked religious authority.

This remains a huge test for the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, the umbrella union of clerics so far mentioned in the scandals as the inaction of the fellowship in punishing the clerics reeks of complicity.