Nigerian minister Chris Oyakhilome of the Believers’ LoveWorld Incorporated, also know as “Christ Embassy,” has reportedly been served with divorce papers from a London, England, court from his alienated wife, according to TheCable.ng.
The President and Founder of the Bible-based Christian ministry headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria is being divorced by his wife, pastor Anita Oyakhilome, for his alleged adulterous ways and unreasonable behavior, continues the article. The online newspaper writes that the 50-year-old pastor denies all rumors of his unfaithfulness and believes his wife has been led astray by “bad friends” who are out to destroy his ministry, which is one of the largest in Nigeria.
Several attempts have been made by members and officials of Oyakhilome’s ministry to reconcile things between the estranged couple, but all efforts have reportedly failed and they will continue with the divorce filed in High Holborn, London on April 9, 2014. The pastor was served a decree nissi, which is like a warning card before the final dissolution of the marriage or “decree absolute,” in his hotel room while on a recent visit to the U.K.
Although Oyakhilome has been hoping for a change of heart from his wife, as have many members of his congregation, he had no option but to accept the papers when they were served to him by a lawyer, continues the report. According to a member of the church who wishes to remain anonymous, Anita’s actions are very disturbing for all concerned. He added that although the members of the church had been aware of the differences between their pastors for some time, they were still hoping they could work it out together.
A senior member of Oyakhilome’s congregation said that he believes “the church will survive the divorce, just as it survived the TB Joshua crisis.” He continued, “It may affect the younger ones in the church but the older ones will understand. The key thing is to focus on his preaching and not his personal failings or the crisis.”
It appears that one of the reasons for the divorce seems to be both husband and wife wanting the lead. Anita believes that her husband has been putting down her importance in the church, while he believes she has been trying to usurp his authority. This looks like a serious battle for power.
