The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has mounted pressure on the Senior Pastor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Chris Okafor, to temporarily step aside from active pastoral duties following a wave of sexual misconduct allegations that have unsettled the Christian community and triggered intense debate on social media.
Multiple PFN source disclosed that Mr Okafor’s decision to withdraw from the pulpit was not entirely voluntary but followed advice from senior Christian leaders who believed the move was necessary to ease mounting tension and protect the integrity of the Pentecostal body.
A senior PFN executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed that the organisation was already deliberating on possible disciplinary steps.
“He was advised to step aside to allow things to calm down. There are more actions to be taken, but the festive season slowed down formal meetings,”
“PFN is not a law enforcement agency. Our concern is spiritual discipline and accountability within the church.”the official said .
The source added that while PFN was not conducting a criminal investigation, it was closely monitoring developments and could impose sanctions if the allegations were found to have merit.
Mr Okafor, however, presented his withdrawal differently when addressing members of his congregation during the church’s New Year crossover service. He said the decision followed prayers and divine direction, insisting it was not connected to the allegations circulating online.
“I have decided to take some time off for spiritual retreat and rest,this not an admission of guilt. It is a period for me and my wife to rest and seek God’s face.”okafor stated .
He said the break, expected to last until February, would allow him to focus on personal reflection following his recent marriage.
Recall the controversy began on December 14 when Nollywood actress Doris Ogala publicly accused the pastor of engaging in a prolonged sexual relationship with her. She alleged betrayal, emotional manipulation and claimed that Mr Okafor had promised to marry her before proceeding to wed another woman, Pearl, on December 16, 2025.
Ms Ogala further alleged that the pastor shared explicit materials and that she suffered emotional and financial distress as a result of the relationship.
As the allegations gained traction, more women came forward online with claims ranging from infidelity and manipulation to assault and coerced abortions. One woman, identified as a former choir member, alleged that she had a child for the pastor, while another publicly demanded a DNA test to establish paternity.
A woman claiming to be Mr Okafor’s daughter also accused him of inappropriate advances an allegation the pastor has firmly denied.
Despite the growing number of claims, the Lagos State Police Command said it had not received any formal petition against the cleric.
“As of now, there is no complaint or petition before the command concerning this matter,” a police spokesperson said. “Without a formal report, the police cannot commence investigation or make any arrest.”
Within Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, reactions have been mixed. While some church officials declined to comment, several long-standing members defended their pastor, describing the allegations as blackmail and an orchestrated attempt to extort money.
“Pastor has served faithfully for years,” one senior member said. “We believe these accusations are targeted attacks meant to destroy his ministry.”
However, Christian leaders outside the church urged caution and accountability. The Lagos State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, said ministers must be held to the standards they preach.
“Accountability starts from the house of God,” Mr Adegbite said. “When issues like this arise, there must be humility, reflection and, where necessary, repentance. That is the path to restoration.”
Similarly, Archbishop Osazee William of the Ecumenical Synods of Bishops in London warned against double standards but acknowledged that pastors, like all humans, are capable of moral failure.
“Grace does not remove responsibility,spiritual leaders must exercise discipline because their actions affect not just themselves, but the faith of many.”he said.
As PFN continues its internal consultations and public scrutiny intensifies, the coming weeks are expected to determine whether Mr Okafor’s temporary withdrawal will result in further disciplinary measures or a return to the pulpit.