Oyakhilome Saga: Pastor Chris, Anita Finalise Divorce

Lawyers to Anita, who confirmed this report, added that she was no longer a part of, or involved in, the church, also known as Believers LoveWorld Inc.

According to a statement released Thursday on the website of her United Kingdom-based attorneys (www.attwatersjamesonhill.co.uk), the divorce proceedings were finalised on February 8, 2016.

The statement reads: “We have been requested by Anita Oyakhilome to confirm that on February 8, 2016 a decree absolute was pronounced in the High Court of Justice Principal Registry of the Family Division dissolving her marriage to Christian Onehirokpeana Oyakhilome.

“Anita Oyakhilome would like to confirm that she is no longer involved in or part of Christ Embassy, A.K.A. Believers LoveWorld Inc.”

News broke out in 2014, when Anita filed for a divorce, accusing her pastor-husband of indulging in illicit affairs with female members of the church. This came to the fore after months of rumours suggesting that all was not well with the marriage.

Shortly after, Anita’s photo, which was on the church’s website, was removed with her name and image also missing from the church’s devotional, Rhapsody of Realities, which she had co-authored for years with Oyakhilome.

One of the messages she posted on her website shortly after the controversy broke which was titled “There is always something to be thankful for”, read: “Life is a gift from God and you deserve to be happy irrespective of your age, race, gender, background or financial situation. I urge you to appreciate the gift you are, you are precious and valuable. Never lose sight of who you are; begin to create new visions and dreams for your life. Let nothing stop you from growing every day. My story is not one of a bed of roses, far from it but I had a choice to either beat myself over the regret of tolerating abuse for so long or put a stop to the abuse and recreate my life for the best. My journey was not in vain. I can now help others realise that their situation does not define them.”

She has since reverted to her maiden name: Anita Ebhodaghe.
Pastor Chris, at that time, dismissed reports of the divorce, accusing the media of publishing a lot of “stupid things.”

Anita and Chris were married in 1991 and have two daughters.