Actress Doris Ogala has formally demanded N1 billion in damages from Lagos based cleric Pastor Chris Okafor for what she says is a breach of a promise to marry her.
In a letter dated December 16, Doris’ lawyers, Synergy Law Partners, wrote to Pastor Okafor at his Ojodu Berger residence saying he made a “clear, consistent and unequivocal” promise to marry her. They said the promise formed the basis of a personal relationship that began in 2017.
The demand letter warns that legal action will start if Pastor Okafor does not pay the sum within 21 days.
According to the letter, the alleged promise was not just spoken words but was shown through introductions to the cleric’s family and public appearances at family events.
Doris’ lawyers said they have photographs, videos, WhatsApp messages and banking records that support her claim of a legitimate expectation of marriage.
The letter states that the actress relied on the promise to her detriment. It says she left a troubled marriage and abandoned reconciliation efforts because she believed marriage was forthcoming. The lawyers also said she transferred N45 million to the pastor in a single transaction based on trust in the relationship.
Doris’ legal team claims the situation worsened when Pastor Okafor publicly announced his engagement to another woman. They described that announcement as a “clear repudiation of the alleged promise.” They said the way it was done caused emotional and reputational harm to Doris.
The letter further alleges that Ogala has been subjected to intense public scrutiny, online harassment and victim shaming since the announcement. It also accuses Pastor Okafor of being responsible for the unauthorised circulation of her private photographs, an allegation the preacher had not responded to at the time of this report.
Doris is demanding N1 billion as aggravated and general damages, citing reputational injury, emotional distress and the public nature of the breach, and has given the pastor 21 days to comply before filing a court suit.
As of publication time, Pastor Chris Okafor and his legal team had not issued a public comment on the allegations or the demand letter.
