Pastor Chris’ divorce drew global attention, yet both he and Anita Oyakhilome continued their journeys of faith, focusing on ministry and service.
Pastor Chris stayed focused on his global ministry even after his divorce
Divorce among high-profile religious leaders is always a subject of public interest. For Pastor Chris, one of Nigeria’s most recognized Christian leaders, his separation from Anita Oyakhilome in 2016 became a widely discussed event.
Yet beyond the headlines, both individuals chose to walk their paths with continued dedication to God’s work. Understanding their divorce involves looking not only at the event itself but also at the broader story of faith, ministry, and resilience.
When the Divorce Took Place
The marriage of Pastor Chris and Anita Oyakhilome lasted more than two decades. Their union, which began in the early years of Christ Embassy’s rise, was seen as an important part of the ministry’s development. Together, they helped grow what would become LoveWorld Incorporated, a global network of churches, media, and faith-based outreach initiatives.
In 2016, after a lengthy separation, the divorce was finalized in the UK. For followers across the world, this marked the end of a chapter that had been closely tied to the public image of both leaders. However, the announcement was met with a focus on their individual futures, rather than conflict. Both Pastor Chris and Anita emphasized their continued faith in God, reassuring their congregations that their personal decision would not derail their spiritual commitments.
How Both Continued Their Work
Following the divorce, Pastor Chris remained at the forefront of LoveWorld and Christ Embassy. He expanded his teachings, launched new programs, and continued to lead international conferences that attract millions of participants worldwide. His focus on healing services, prayer gatherings, and global broadcasts reinforced his role as one of Africa’s most influential Christian figures.
Anita, meanwhile, stepped back from the limelight of LoveWorld but did not abandon her faith. She continued her spiritual journey in a quieter capacity, dedicating her time to writing and ministry work in her own right. While her public appearances became less frequent, she remained an inspiration to many who followed her earlier role as a strong female leader within Christ Embassy.
For both, the end of their marriage did not signal an end to their devotion to ministry. Rather, it allowed them to continue serving God in ways that suited their individual callings.
Where Is Anita Oyakhilome Now?
Since Pastor Chris’ divorce, his former wife Anita has been based in the United Kingdom. There, she has continued her work as a writer and teacher. She has shared messages of encouragement with Christian communities, often focusing on themes of faith, endurance, and personal strength.
While she no longer plays a public role in Christ Embassy, Anita remains a respected voice among those who followed her ministry in the past. Her life after divorce reflects a choice to maintain privacy while still influencing others through her writing and spiritual reflections.
Her journey demonstrates that the conclusion of a marriage does not mean the conclusion of one’s calling. For many observers, Anita’s life shows how individuals can adapt and continue their faith-driven missions in new contexts.
Pastor Chris’ Teachings on Divorce
A key question that often arises after Oyakhilomes’ divorce is how he approaches the subject in his teachings. He has spoken about marriage and divorce in the context of biblical principles, always pointing back to Scripture as the foundation.
Chris Oyakhilome emphasizes that marriage is a sacred covenant, designed by God to reflect unity and love. At the same time, he acknowledges that the Bible recognizes the challenges that can arise in human relationships. His teachings stress the importance of forgiveness, patience, and understanding, but also the reality that some marriages may face difficulties beyond reconciliation.
He frequently reminds his followers that divorce does not define one’s spiritual life or end one’s journey with God. Instead, he points to faith as the guiding force, encouraging individuals to remain steadfast in their service, even after personal trials. In his words, challenges, including divorce, can become opportunities for growth and deeper commitment to God’s purpose.
The Broader Picture of Family and Faith
Pastor Chris has also spoken about family as a cornerstone of Christian life. Despite his divorce, he has maintained a close relationship with his daughters, Sharon and Charlene. Both young women have grown into accomplished individuals in their own fields, reflecting the values of education, service, and faith instilled in them from childhood.
Family extends beyond immediate relatives. Within Christ Embassy, he frequently describes members of the church as a spiritual family, connected not by blood, but by shared belief. This perspective has helped many within his congregation process his divorce with understanding, seeing it not as a rupture of values but as a personal matter within the larger context of faith.
Why Pastor Chris’ Divorce Still Draws Interest
Years after the official separation, public curiosity about their divorce remains strong. This is partly because of his global profile. As the leader of one of Africa’s most influential churches, his personal life naturally attracts attention.
But beyond curiosity, the divorce highlights broader discussions within the Christian community about marriage, challenges, and resilience. For many followers, Pastor Chris’ ability to continue leading a vast international ministry after such a personal event is seen as a testament to faith and determination.
Anita’s quieter but steady life path also adds to this narrative. Together, their post-divorce journeys offer a picture of how faith leaders navigate personal change while still serving their communities.
A New Chapter of Ministry
Pastor Chris’ ministry has only grown in scope since the divorce. Through initiatives like the Healing Streams Live Healing Services, the Global Day of Prayer, and countless teaching programs, he continues to reach millions across continents. His emphasis on miracles, healing, and the transformative power of the Word of God remains at the heart of his message.
For Anita, life has taken a different shape, but one that still reflects her faith. Her writings and teachings serve as encouragement to those who face life changes, reminding them that faith is a constant anchor.
Together, though apart, both Chris and Anita Oyakhilome reflect the message that personal circumstances do not have to define spiritual calling. Their journeys after the divorce show resilience, purpose, and a focus on God’s mission.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
