By RismadarVoice Reporters
January 3, 2026
The Senior Pastor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Chris Okafor has stepped down temporarily from pastoral duties- following mounting public outrage over multiple sexual misconduct allegations against him.
Okafor announced the decision during the church’s New Year crossover service, describing it as a period of rest, spiritual retreat rather than a disciplinary action.
According to him, the break, which will last until February, will allow him and his new wife rest, seek spiritual renewal after a hectic period surrounding their recent wedding.
He said he would not be completely absent from the church’ activities during the period.
The development comes amid intense pressure from Christian leaders and growing controversy triggered by allegations from actress Doris Ogala and other women, who have accused the cleric of sexual relationships, emotional manipulation, broken marriage promises, related misconduct.
Ogala had earlier gone public with her claims on social media, alleging a long-term relationship with the pastor, demanding damages through her lawyers.
Additional allegations have since emerged from other women, including a former wife and a former choir member, further fueling public debate.
A senior official of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that influential leaders within the Christian community advised Okafor to step aside to ease tensions while the matter unfolds.
The official stressed that while PFN lacks the statutory power to investigate criminal allegations, it can apply spiritual discipline and moral pressure, adding that further decisions may be taken after consultations.
Despite the allegations, some members of the church have rallied behind the pastor, dismissing the claims as blackmail, extortion attempts.
Several long-time congregants described Okafor as a “man of God” and praised his contributions to the church and community, insisting that the accusations were unfounded.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command said it has not received any formal petition against the cleric.
The police spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, noted that investigations could only commence if an official complaint is filed.
Reacting to the controversy, leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other clerics urged caution, accountability and godly conduct among ministers.
While emphasizing that wrongdoing should not be justified, they called for repentance, discipline and due process, warning that moral lapses among clergy undermine public trust in the church.
As the allegations continue to generate debate nationwide, attention now turns to whether formal complaints will be lodged with law enforcement agencies and what further actions religious bodies may take regarding the embattled pastor.
