The dispute centres on a leaked audio recording that has circulated widely on social media, in which the founder of Fresh Oil Ministry International Church, Psalm Okpe, and another cleric identified as Martins, were allegedly heard making explicit claims about past sexual relationships with a senior female minister and another church leader. The recording also contained unverified allegations of homosexuality against a male pastor, further intensifying public backlash.
In the audio, Okpe was accused of claiming that he had been romantically involved for over five years with veteran Nollywood actress-turned-evangelist, Eucharia Anunobi, whom he had previously ordained into ministry.
Following public outrage, Okpe issued a statement apologising for the recording, describing the comments as “disturbing” and admitting embarrassment over what he termed “vulgar words”.
However, Anunobi has firmly rejected the claims, dismissing them as false and malicious. In a strongly worded reaction shared on Instagram, the 60-year-old preacher described Okpe as a “monumental global shame” and accused him of attempting to damage her reputation and ministry.
She stated that the allegations had subjected her to emotional trauma and insisted that she has lived a celibate life since her ordination nearly 14 years ago.
“I want to state here categorically that in almost 14 years since I have been midwifed into ministry, I have been celibate and have been keeping myself for the man that will be deserving of my new virginity,” she said.
While acknowledging that she had been involved in courtships and engagements during that period, Anunobi stressed that none of those relationships involved sexual relations.
“None of these men can come out and say they have had penile penetration with me. None of them can say they have had sex with me. That is why I boldly preach righteousness,” she added.
The evangelist further revealed that she has initiated legal proceedings against Okpe, instructing her lawyers to file petitions with the Nigerian Police Force as well as security and immigration authorities in the United States. She accused the cleric of defamation and alleged that he had made repeated threats over the years to destroy her ministry.
“I am not going to allow that to be swept under the carpet because that malicious, vile statement has left me in emotional trauma,” she said, adding that Okpe would be required to substantiate his claims before the law.
The controversy has continued to spark debate online, raising broader questions about accountability, ethics, and conduct among religious leaders.