Chris Oyakhilome Frowns At Adultery Allegations, Threatens To Prosecute Journalists

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, who has been recently in the news in connection with the highly-publicized divorce with his estranged wife Rev. Anita has denied adultery accusations libeled against him and threatens to sue journalists.

In a statement released via his lawyer Mr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) a few hours ago, the head clergyman of Christ Embassy Church spoke about taking up legal actions over newsmen publishing stories about their split. Additionally, he characterized the accusations of adultery, allegedly provided by spouse Anita, as “false and malicious” attack against his personality and his church.

Speaking to Sahara Reporters via his lawyer Mr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), he said.

”The attention of our client, Rev. Chris Oyakhilome, and the church has been drawn to the wave of false, malicious and fabricated stories being published in the print and electronic media about his person, the church and a matrimonial cause between him and his wife.”

The statement contains sharp criticism of the media coverage of the story, which allegedly distorted and fabricated Anita’s claims. The statements in the media were said to contradict her claims that Pastor Oyakhilome had indeed been unfaithful during their “terribly degenerated” marriage, which Anita said through counsel to Premium Times (PT) earlier Wednesday.

He also illustrated the media’s coverage of his wife’s efforts to split up as “complete distortion of the facts in the pending proceedings in the United Kingdom”, the statement cited the coverage as “selfishly motivated” for political and financial advantage.

Furthermore, the lawyer representing the church leader concluded the statement:

“Be warned therefore that unless the concerned media houses desist from further publishing words and stories which are false and damaging of our client’s reputation and the church, we shall, without further recourse to the concerned publishers, promptly embark on appropriate legal machinery with a view to protecting our client’s reputation and that of the church.”

In the yesterday’s exclusive interview with Premium Times, which the famous cleric refers to, Anita Oyakhilome said their marriage had “terribly degenerated”.

It would be recalled that the break-up saga of one of the most admired couples in Nigeria broke out end of August when it was reported that Rev. Anita had officially filed for divorce allegedly specifying “adultery” and “unreasonable behaviour” as grounds for legal proceedings. Since then numerous reports have been dedicated to the issue.

In an official press released September 2 by Rev Anita’s lawmakers, they confirmed the start of procedure of their client and Pastor Oyakhilome adding that there was “no hope of any reconciliation”.