By Osagie Alonge and Olamide Jasanya
Those who attended the morning church service at Reverend Chris Okotie‘s Household of God on Sunday, June 24, 2012, were more than surprised when the popular ‘Man of God’ announced his impending divorce from his wife of four years Stephanie Henshaw.
Okotie cited ‘irreconcilable differences’ as the reason for the surprise separation and asked the public to respect his wishes by not asking questions. But wouldn’t it be a shame if we didn’t?
As soon as the news hit the stands, comments began pouring in on websites, blogs and social networks. The large number of people rebuking the pop singer turned pastor turned politician for walking away from his second marriage is however balanced with others who have found a reason or two to support his action.
‘If that is true then he is not fit to be a pastor because the qualification for that position is that he should be able to manage his home. It is obvious that he cannot manage his home well hence twice divorced‘ Prince Kingsley commented on our website
‘It’s funny and also unbelievable. I personally do not want to judge. But I am explictly saying that he is not a man of God. He knows no word of God. He has no idear on God’s view of marriage. As far as I’m concerned, his career has crashed as his marriage crashes for the second time‘, Zion also commented.
Others however see the divorce from another angle:
‘Well, I want to think that those people who posted messages condemning Rev Chris Okotie are either not married or married but people with retired sense of reasoning. It’s always a quick one to make condemning conclusions, just pray life doesn’t bring you to that point, because people like Rev Chris Okotie may just be an occasion for you to think and pray. Check the man’s record and you agree he has been a man who has always wanted to do the right thing, he is a true man of God whether his marriage ends or not. Marriages are only contracted; successful, terminated only here on earth. So please be wise loose tongues‘ said Pope, a reader, in support of Okotie
Meanwhile, a number of comments have been directed to Stephanie, who with this recent development, is coming out of her third marriage.
‘The scripture tells us to cut off any part of us that may hinder us to make heaven, May be Stephanie is that bad part for Okotie to cut off. But let me ask, why did Rev. Okotie go for a divorcee who has children for other husbands?‘ Edet said
‘The man just likes to change women, and as for the lady, I don’t see what an African woman that’s been married twice with 3 kids is looking for in a 3rd marriage. She should take her joy in her children & see how happy she will be. I know a lot of women who come out of bad marriages and live for their kids, my mum being one of them‘ Tosin added as well.
While most people have taken sides, giving their theories as to why Okotie called for a divorce, others have remained neutral, throwing jokes by the side.
‘Okotie knows what it takes to be consistent; failing in politics and marriage, twice‘, Chika commented via Twitter
‘Pastor Chris Okotie one confused but talented man…who probably doesn’t know what he’s actually good at‘, Edafe James also tweeted.
The big question is; will Okotie be taking a new wife anytime soon?
It’s the second time Okotie is ending a marriage. His first marriage to Tina, ended in 2001, after 15 years. And he’s not new to ending relationships either – his list of women will make even 2face Idibia jealous.
Charming and in love with the good life, the singer-turned-pastor and bonafide ladies’ man will definitely not have any difficulties, should he decide to date, or settle down again anytime soon…
Mixed reactions from fans
Andy Waqudu – I dont get it. I dont just get it. The only grounds for divorce (according to the bible) is adultery? Do we interpret it that way since He is a man of God? i seriously dont get it
Sue Jordan – This guy is a joke
Jacob Thompson – what does he expect when he went to grab a divorcee with three kids? Maybe this time he will marry a man. mtschhhewww
Info Biz – Who remembers that when Soul E & Ure marriage crashed chris laughed @ them now the same has happened to him My question is where is the red Mercedes that he bought for her cos even b4 d split she hasn’t been seen driving it.
Lola – Touch not my anointing and do my prophet no harm, don’t even think of abusing pastor. But clearly someone has a problem and that’s the truth!
Caroline Wabara – Is that so? Wow. How SAD
Nzewine – Jesus! What a pastor! He should just close down his shop and go back to singing.
Promise Michaelz – This is sad indeed, and for a pastor! Well dey have their reasons
Chimah Ikechukwu -This guy needs Jesus o!!! So called Man of God…hian!!!
Nkechi – Pls pls pls pleeeeeeeeeeease let him know I’m available. I guess his marriages are not working because he is yet to meet his will of God(me). #Okbye#
HIS OTHER WOMEN
Tina Okotie – Chris Okotie’s first wife. They separated back in 2001 after 15 years of marriage.
Roli Adenyiyi -Now wife of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Olabode George.
Evangelist Elishama Ideh – founder-President of ‘Christ the Ever-present Ministry’.
Vien Tetsola – former Miss Nigeria beauty queen and sister of singer Dude Tetsola.
Udy Umondak– former national co-ordinator, the House of Nigeria F.R.E.S.H, Okotie’s political platform.
11 comments
i think he want a woman dt cn handle d churh well,but he’s seeing in those wife,pastor pls go back to tina d wife of ur yorth if she has nt married nd be patience to build her up in God.
U ppies sht Live d man alone. We are human some times dis tins happened, live d matter 4 God
Okotie is just giving unbelievers great ocassion, to profane and blaspheme the name of GOD. To go back to his first wife is not just the solution, but to repent, and seek the face of GOD and HIS direction for his life. lesth GOD be angery with him.
i think there is something they are not telling us, but who are
we to judge, marriage falling twice, please lets stop tempting
GOD, well what can i say.
Al he realy nds is our prayers.
Weda u ar a pastor or not, b4 gettin married, there is need 4 deliverance. If a man says dat i want 2 divorce my wife bcos of dis or dat. ok, no problem, satan wil provide 4 u anoda woman dat is even mor beautiful dan d 1 u divorce & wen getin marry 2 dat again – d same complain continue which wil lead 2 divorce again. My advice 2 him & his divorc wife is dat they shuld go (SCOAN) 4 deliverance. Dat is d final bustop 4 dem, if dey bliv
He should go to SCOAN for deliverance. He own don too much. Na only learn e learn bible. He nor dey fit dey act am. 2go @iamsammy tweet @iamdsam
PASTOR!may God help this man, cox he is fake.PLS LETS ALL
FACE REALITY DIS MAN IS NT REAL.FIRST OF HOW CAN HE BE
RUNNING HIS POLITICAL CAREER WITH THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY
AND AT THE SAME TIME DIVORCING WIVES LIKE ICE-FISH.KEEP
ON IS YOUR LIFE LIVE IT THE WAY U WANT IT BT I BEG ALL
NIGERIANS TO BE WISE
Only god will save us from the snare of the nosiy pestilence
Marriage is 4 matured minds and not 4 babies. Before marriage I believe there is sumtin called counselling. D gift of the spirit includes descerning. He shld hv knw before now that they were not compactible rather than venturing into sumtin dat will make people ask “is this what christianity is all about”? I will advice him to go back 2 God in humility and ask for Gods direction. Marriage is for better for worse. He should be able to hamdle worse situation. There is nothing as a perfect partner, bt we all work 2 perfection. Pastor pls do not ridicle d name of God for without Holiness we shall not see God. Forgive your wife and bring her back. If she is possessed its your duty to see dat she is delivered in Jesus name. Luv is all that matters(1st John 4:7-8)
He is there condemning pope bt his way of life is even worse than satan. Keep pratising ur cultism, onething I kn is God will expose u