Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has taken legal action against popular clergyman Pastor Chris Okafor, slamming him with a ₦1 billion lawsuit over an alleged broken promise of marriage.
Ogala, through her legal representatives, Synergy Law Partners, accused the pastor of reneging on a long-standing commitment to marry her and instead going ahead to wed another woman. The development comes amid the controversy that has trailed Okafor’s recent wedding.
In a formal demand letter addressed to the cleric, Ogala’s lawyers stated that their relationship began in 2017 at a time when the actress was experiencing serious marital challenges. According to the letter, Okafor allegedly made repeated assurances of marriage, assurances that went beyond mere words.
The legal team claimed that Ogala was introduced to the pastor’s family, including his children, and was welcomed into family gatherings and functions, actions they said reinforced her belief that marriage was imminent. Based on these assurances, the actress allegedly made major personal and financial decisions.
The lawsuit further alleged that Ogala exited her troubled marriage in reliance on Okafor’s promises and, at some point, entrusted him with ₦45 million in a single financial transaction. Her lawyers argued that the clergyman’s eventual decision to marry another woman caused her severe emotional and psychological trauma.
According to the filing, Ogala has suffered panic attacks, emotional distress, and even suicidal thoughts, alongside reputational damage fuelled by public ridicule and online victim-shaming following the fallout. The suit also alleges that private and explicit images of the actress were maliciously circulated, further worsening her ordeal.
While acknowledging that no court can compel a person to marry, Ogala’s legal team is seeking ₦1 billion in aggravated and general damages, citing the alleged deliberate and public nature of the breach, the harm to her reputation, and the serious impact on her mental health.
The demand letter gives Pastor Okafor 21 days to respond and meet the compensation request, warning that failure to do so would result in the commencement of full legal proceedings.
