One thing Nigeria has in abundance apart from natural resources is Religion. One of the most powerful religions in Nigeria is Christianity, which is being upheld by some men who are often referred to as Men of God.
These men of God are revered by people especially their followers who see them as the mouthpieces of the Almighty.
However, in recent times, these powerful pastors have proven that no human is without flaw as they made some mistakes that jeopardize and ended their marriages.
According to the injunction of Christ, while he was on earth, he made it clear that marriage is for life as far as both partners are alive.
In Matthew 19:6, the Bible says "they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God joined together let no man put asunder (separate)"
But these highly respected pastors could not keep to this injunction, as they at one point in their lives decided to end their marriages and even remarried other women.
1. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome:
Pastor Chris is one of the most influential pastors in Nigeria, he is the founder of Loveworld ministries aka Christ Embassy. He got married to his lovely wife, Anita Ehodagbe and after 25 years of marriage, she filed for a divorce in 2012. Her reason was surprising to many Nigerian as she accused the man of God of unreasonable behaviour.
The couple denied speculations of infidelity and adultery on both sides. They were later separated in February 2016, although they had two lovely daughters together at that time.
The name and pictures of his ex-wife were removed from all church platforms and materials.
2. Pastor Chris Okotie: Pastor Okotie is another popular man of God in Nigeria who is also a divorcee. He is the founder of Household of God Church. Pastor Okotie has been married twice.
He divorced his first wife Tyna after 15 years of marriage and remarried miss Stephanie Henshaw, who he described as the most wonderful lady in the whole world before their wedding.
But surprisingly in 2012, he ended his marriage with his ex-wife, Stephanie Henshaw after four years over irreconcilable differences.
He announced to his church members during an evening programme on the 8th of January 2013, that he can no longer continue with his marriage and has settled it with Jesus. He also said he has decided never to remarry again.
3. Pastor Joshua Iginla: Pastor Iginla is a very popular Abuja-based pastor, who is the senior pastor of Champions Royal Assembly.
He was happily married to his former wife, but in 2019, their marriage came to ruins as he makes shocking revelations about their union.
According to him, he and his ex-wife Yemisi had children out of wedlock. He also disclosed that he had a child with another woman despite being married to his wife because she started cheating on him to the extent of having a child with another man.
He filed for divorce from his wife in 2019 because of her infidelity and after a year got married to his baby mama, Stella Zimasa Ndamase, a wealthy South African prophetess in 2020.
5. Pastor Ituah Ighodalo:
He was sacked and removed from being a pastor in the church for his actions.
According to the pastor, he married his former wife, miss summer in 1995, he later got born again but she refused to reunite with him in Nigeria.
After some years he met late ex-beauty queen, Ibidunni, who was a youth corps member at that time.
Late Mrs Ibidunni Ighodalo died few weeks to her 40th birthday after a heart attack.
Pastor Ighodalo is presently the senior pastor at Trinity House Church.
It is now clear that no one is immune to divorce and marital crisis, not even the most revered pastors. Even though we can criticize these pastors as they are human like us and not spirits, one thing is certain, it will be more difficult for these ministers of the gospel to counsel their members on marital issues.
That is why as pastors and even Christians in general, we have to remain committed to our partners and love each other as Christ loved the church, Ephesians 5:25.
Stay blessed.
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