"I Am Ashamed of You": Fiery Cleric Condemns Pastor Ashimolowo for Officiating Chris Okafor's Wedding
In a viral and scathing public rebuke, respected clergyman and social commentator Dr. Charles Apoki has called out fellow cleric Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo for officiating the wedding of the controversial Dr. Chris Okafor, declaring he is "ashamed" of the endorsement.
The fiery video, which has sparked intense debate online, centers on Apoki's deep disapproval of the church leadership publicly legitimizing Okafor, a figure embroiled in serious allegations of misconduct.
A Litany of Allegations and a Biblical Warning
Dr. Apoki did not hold back in his condemnation, directly accusing Chris Okafor of several grave failings. He cited what he described as "performing false miracles" based on viral social media clips, and leveled the serious charge that Okafor had "abandoned his wife and children" while allegedly being in an immoral relationship with Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, who recently made explosive public accusations against the pastor.
"For a man who has no character, no reputation, no integrity to be promoted by the leadership of the church... it sends the wrong signal to the body of Christ," Apoki declared. He grounded his argument in scripture, citing biblical figures like Achan, Ananias, and Sapphira who faced divine punishment for moral failure, and in African tradition, which shuns those whose conduct is disapproved.
A Defiant Stand Against "Grace Leading to Disgrace"
The video reveals that Apoki has faced significant personal backlash for his outspoken stance, including being banned from preaching in some churches. He responded with defiance: "Who cares? I don't give a hoot about preaching in your churches. I'm a businessman and a clergyman. I don't depend on your offerings."
He issued a broader critique of modern Pentecostalism, warning that an "overemphasis on grace is leading to disgrace" and that church elders have a duty to speak out against moral compromise. Using a stark metaphor, he urged leaders to act before "children eat vultures thinking they're eating chicken."
Clarification and Core Concern
Dr. Apoki clarified that his objection is not to remarriage in principle, even referencing the biblical story of Esther. His core issue is the specific context and what he perceives as the compromised character surrounding Okafor's situation, making the public ecclesiastical endorsement by a leader of Ashimolowo's stature a deeply troubling act that undermines the church's moral authority.
The public dressing-down has ignited conversations about accountability, integrity, and the role of church leadership in policing the conduct of high-profile ministers within Nigeria's influential Christian community.
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