Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has demanded N1 billion in damages from Lagos-based cleric, Pastor Chris Okafor, over an alleged breach of promise to marry.
Ogala, a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, made the demand through her lawyers, Synergy Law Partners, in a letter dated December 16, 2025. The letter was addressed to Pastor Okafor at his Ojodu Berger office and warned that legal action would follow if the demand is not met within 21 days.
According to the letter, Ogala alleged that Pastor Okafor, founder of Grace Nation Liberation City, made a “clear, consistent and unequivocal” promise to marry her. Her lawyers said the alleged promise formed the basis of a long-term personal relationship that started in 2017.
The lawyers claimed the relationship began at a time when the actress was emotionally distressed and seeking pastoral guidance. They argued that the promise of marriage was not only verbal but was supported by actions, including her introduction to the cleric’s family and appearances at family events.
The letter stated that Ogala has photographs, videos, WhatsApp messages and banking records to support her claims and establish what her lawyers described as a legitimate expectation of marriage.
Ogala further alleged that she acted on the promise and took what her lawyers called “irreversible steps” based on assurances of marital commitment. According to the letter, she exited a troubled marriage and abandoned any chance of reconciliation because she believed she would marry Pastor Okafor.
The actress also claimed she suffered financial loss. Her lawyers said she transferred N45 million to the cleric in a single transaction and allowed him access to her finances, relying on the relationship and the promise of marriage.
The matter, according to the lawyers, worsened when Pastor Okafor publicly announced his engagement to another woman. They described the announcement as a clear rejection of the alleged promise and said it caused Ogala serious emotional and reputational damage.
They added that the actress has since faced intense public attention, online harassment and victim-shaming, which they blamed on the fallout from the cleric’s actions.
The letter also accused Pastor Okafor of being responsible for the alleged unauthorised circulation of Ogala’s private photographs. As of press time, the cleric had not publicly responded to the allegation.
While admitting that marriage cannot be forced, Ogala’s lawyers said the law provides remedies for breach of promise and aggravated harm.
They therefore demanded N1 billion as general and aggravated damages, citing emotional distress, reputational injury and the public nature of the alleged breach.
The lawyers gave Pastor Okafor 21 days to pay the demanded sum, warning that failure to do so would lead to a lawsuit before a court of competent jurisdiction.
