The founder of Grace Nation Bible Ministry, Pastor Chris Okafor, has publicly asked for forgiveness from his church members and the wider public following allegations made against him by Nollywood actress Doris Ogala.
The apology came after a video circulated on social media, especially Facebook, showing the popular cleric kneeling before his congregation during a church service. In the video, Pastor Chris admitted that he had made mistakes in the past and asked for forgiveness from anyone who felt hurt by his actions.
The development follows a public controversy that began when Doris Ogala accused the pastor of betraying her trust. The actress had alleged that Pastor Chris promised to marry her but later abandoned her for another woman. Her claims quickly gained attention online, sparking widespread debate and mixed reactions from Nigerians.
In his address to the church, Pastor Chris did not deny that issues existed but insisted that many of the accusations made against him were not true. He said he did not want to engage in public arguments or trade words with the actress.
“I am not joining issues,” he said during the service. “Mistakes have been made in the past, and I tender my apology to everybody. But everything that was said is not true. There are so many lies in most of the things that were said.”
Despite disputing parts of the allegations, the cleric said he believed it was important to show humility and take responsibility for any pain his actions may have caused. He stressed that his apology was not limited to one person but extended to anyone who felt offended.
“To Doris Ogala, I will apologize, and I also apologize to everyone,” he said. “I am ready to make a restitution to anyone and anybody, any lady, anywhere I’ve offended.”
The video of Pastor Chris kneeling down before the congregation quickly went viral, drawing reactions from church members, social media users, and the general public. While some praised him for showing humility and asking for forgiveness, others questioned the sincerity of the apology and called for more accountability.
Pastor Chris also spoke about personal growth and change. He admitted that he is not perfect and said he had entered what he described as a “new beginning” after receiving guidance from senior Christian leaders he referred to as “fathers of faith.”
“I’m kneeling down before everyone and before the church,” he said. “Forgive me. You can judge me. Pray for me.”
Grace Nation Bible Ministry is a well-known church with a large following, especially among young people and professionals. Pastor Chris Okafor is known for his energetic preaching style and strong social media presence. Over the years, he has built a sizable audience both within and outside Nigeria.
The controversy involving Doris Ogala has once again brought attention to the private lives of religious leaders and the expectations placed on them by society. In Nigeria, pastors are often seen not only as spiritual leaders but also as moral role models. Allegations of personal misconduct involving clergy often generate strong public reactions.
Doris Ogala, who made the initial allegations, is a known actress in Nollywood and has featured in several movies. Her decision to speak publicly about the alleged relationship sparked intense discussions online, with many people taking sides.
Some supporters of the actress praised her for speaking out, saying women should be encouraged to share their experiences. Others criticised her for taking the matter to social media, arguing that private issues should be handled privately.
Pastor Chris’ response appears to be an attempt to calm the situation and reduce further public tension. By apologising publicly and offering restitution, he signalled a willingness to take responsibility, even while maintaining that parts of the story were false.
However, they also point out that public forgiveness does not automatically end public scrutiny. Many Nigerians believe that religious leaders should be held to high ethical standards because of the influence they have over their followers.
The incident has also reopened conversations about accountability within religious institutions. Some observers are calling on churches to have clearer systems for addressing allegations involving their leaders, rather than relying solely on public apologies.
For members of Grace Nation Bible Ministry, the moment was emotional. Some congregants were reportedly moved by the pastor’s actions, while others said they hoped the situation would lead to genuine change and healing.
The story continues to trend on social media, with videos and clips being shared widely. Nigerians from different backgrounds have shared their opinions, reflecting the country’s deep interest in both religion and celebrity culture.