A recent public apology by popular Nigerian clergyman, Pastor Chris Okafor, has ignited a fierce debate online, not just about his actions, but about the reaction of his congregation. The incident, which unfolded during a Sunday service, has led a social media user to question the moral compass of the church's members.
The Pulpit Apology and the Congregation's Cheers
The controversy centers on events at the Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry on Sunday, December 28, 2025. During the service, Senior Pastor Chris Okafor addressed allegations made by Nollywood actress, Doris Ogala. Ogala had publicly accused the pastor of having a relationship with her while she was married, and subsequently ending it to marry another woman.
In an emotionally charged moment captured on video, Pastor Okafor spoke about how his past marriage had impacted his life and career. He then proceeded to kneel on the pulpit, offering a public apology specifically directed at Doris Ogala. Following this act of contrition, the church members erupted in applause and celebration.
A Critical Voice on Social Media
It was this celebratory reaction that caught the attention of an X (formerly Twitter) user, @peaceigho. In a post that has since gone viral, she expressed her bewilderment and criticism.
"Your pastor is apologizing for sleeping with a married woman and you are clapping for him??" she wrote.
She further elaborated in the comments section, stating, "Pastor Chris Okafor church. I no know wetin dey worry them. He no suppose get members again after everything." Her observation pointedly questioned the rationale behind applauding a leader for admitting to a moral transgression, suggesting such an act should diminish, not reinforce, his standing.
Mixed Public Reactions Fuel Online Firestorm
The lady's post triggered a flood of reactions from other Nigerians, revealing a deep divide in public opinion.
Some users echoed her sentiment, criticizing the blind loyalty often seen in religious circles. User @iam_ayodamola10 remarked, "Imagine. They are applauding someone that is preaching against sin everytime for apologizing to that... Even if he does something worse than that, dem go still applaud am whenever he apologize."
Another user, @akuchinyelunwa, suggested the apology was strategic, not sincere: "He had to apologize seeing that the woman have plenty things to bring him down... It's best for him to step down at this point."
However, others defended the act of apology itself. User @TRUTHZORD countered, "Should they Lynch him and burn him? It seems you don't know what an apology is... if someone acknowledges that they have done a wrong and apologizes it's a good thing. Nobody is a saint, including you."
Some, like @AdetayoJOseph4, took issue with the apology's wording, feeling it lacked full accountability: "He did not own up. He was not sorry. He said mistakes were made. Mistakes were not made. Oga you slept with a married woman..."
This incident is not isolated. In a related development, another X user analyzed a video of the apology, concluding it seemed like a "desperate attempt to guilt-trip his church members" rather than a genuine expression of remorse. The scandal has also previously affected church attendance, with another lady vowing never to return to the ministry after an unusual experience.
The event underscores ongoing tensions within Nigerian society regarding the conduct of spiritual leaders, the expectations of their congregations, and the complex interplay between forgiveness, accountability, and blind faith in religious institutions.
