The Senior Pastor of Mountain of Liberty and Miracle Ministry, Chris Okafor, has withdrawn the apology he earlier issued to Nollywood actress Doris Ogala over allegations surrounding their alleged past relationship.
The actress had previously accused the cleric of abandoning her after allegedly promising marriage during what she described as an eight year sexual relationship.
The controversy gained widespread attention after a video clip showing the clergyman with a young woman surfaced on social media.
Ogala, who demanded compensation, also accused the cleric of involvement in scandalous and criminal activities.
Amid the controversy, Okafor reportedly gave the actress 10,000 dollars, which she said was insignificant compared to the evidence she claimed to have against him.
Following the public dispute, the pastor during a Sunday service issued an open apology to Ogala and also sought forgiveness from other women he said he had hurt.
Despite the apology, the actress continued to publicly criticize the cleric.
In a new development, however, Okafor reversed his position and withdrew the apology, saying he was pressured by people around him to make the statement.
In a video that has since circulated widely on social media, he told members of his congregation that he intends to address the matter through legal means.
“There’s no apology for what I didn’t do or for someone I haven’t met face to face. I was pressured by people I called friends but who are not.
“Firstly, the reason why I apologised was that the fathers of faith were being dragged. And I did not want them to be dragged. Pastor Bishop Abioye, and Matthew,” he said.
Explaining why he went on his knees during the earlier apology, he added, “I knelt down because of those fathers. Not because of any Jezebel anywhere.”
The development comes amid another controversy involving the cleric, after his second daughter, Amara Okafor, alleged plans to press charges against him over claims of assault and abuse.
