The remarriage of The Fountain of Life Church’s Senior Pastor, Jimmy Odukoya, has reignited debate over divorce among pastors, with religious leaders divided on what Christianity permits.
CDA News Nigeria reports that at least eight marriages involving prominent pastors, including Chris Oyakhilome, Chris Okotie, Joshua Iginla and Olumide Emmanuel, ended in divorce or separation between 2012 and 2026, according to Saturday PUNCH.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that Odukoya introduced his new wife, Mo, to the congregation on Sunday. He said his first marriage ended before he became senior pastor in 2023. Reaction among members was reportedly mixed. The church had not responded to enquiries at press time.
A former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, said the Bible allows separation but not remarriage. “Marriage is for life,” he said.
Evangelist Alaba Akande named adultery as the major biblical ground for divorce, applying equally to men and women.
Pastor Dayo St. John, a marriage counsellor, called divorce among pastors an act of rebellion against God. Apostle Lawrence Achudume urged pastors to be open about marital struggles instead of presenting perfect homes to their congregations.
Counsellors offered other explanations. Ibrahim Olalere cited incompatibility, comparison and the influence of social media. JeNom Makama pointed to pastors failing to balance ministry and marriage, along with growing acceptance of divorce among Christians.
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