Nigerian Pastor, Chris Oyakhilome's Wife Files For Divorce

Rev. Anita Odegwa Oyakhilome, wife of Christ Embassy Founder, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has finally filed for divorce in a London Court on grounds of “unreasonable behaviour” and “adultery”.

Though there have been speculations about the marriage crisis between the Pastor and his wife, The Cable reported that Anita allegedly outlined several allegations against the Pastor which cannot be published for legal reasons.

The divorce case, with Suit No FD14D01650, was filed on April 9, 2014 at Divorce Section A, Central Family Court, First Avenue House, High Holborn, London, UK, on Anita’s behalf by Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors, a full-service law firm with expertise in commercial law and a strong consumer focus in family, wills and estate, personal injury law and medical negligence.

According to the online portal, Pastor Chris had been making efforts to avoid divorce in the hope that his wife would eventually have a change of mind, however, Decree nissi was served on the charismatic pastor in his hotel room during a recent visit to the UK.

Decree nissi, in legal terms, is like a yellow card in a football match which is a precursor to a red card (“decree absolute”) if no new evidence is provided to stall proceedings.

Church insiders said Oyakhilome had been hoping for rapprochement, but he was left with no option than to receive the papers when the lawyers cornered him at his hotel in London. The decree absolute, which will effectively end the marriage, is expected to be issued soon while terms of the divorce will be worked out by the lawyers on both sides.

We also gathered that, before now, efforts were made to reconcile the couple. But, the situation is so messy that all help from family, church member, marriage counseling etc. have been abortive.

Anita had contemplated going public with the details of her allegations but reached an informal agreement to sheathe her sword in the interest of the church.

One of the elders of the church, has denied allegations of adultery and believes the pastor's wife is being influenced by “bad friends” whose mission is to destroy the couple's home.

While Anita believes she has been relegated in the scheme of things in the church, her husband has reportedly accused her of trying to usurp power and authority above her seniors in the ministry.

Pastor Chris and Anita have been married for years and they both have two daughters, Sharon and Charlyn together.