The collapse of the troubled marriage of Christ Embassy Founder/Leader, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, came after spirited but futile attempts by his worried flock to save the marriage, News Express can report this afternoon.

Hopes that the marriage could still be saved had been dashed when news broke on Saturday that Oyakhilome’s estranged wife, Rev. Anita, has filed for divorce in a London court.

Apart from payers and pleas by Christ Embassy faithful for Chris and Anita to reconcile, a group of the church’s members in May this year launched a campaign on Facebook and Twitter asking: “Where is Rev. Anita Oyakhilome?”

They said Pastor Chris and Rev. Anita must unite “for the sake of the gospel, the church and their two beautiful daughters”. They quoted Malachi 2:16 in the Message Bible: “I hate divorce, says the God of Israel.”

The Facebook page, which has over 3,300 “likes”, was opened with a stated mission: “This is a Call to Prayer for all believers who understand God’s heart concerning marriage and a Call to Action by Pst. Chris. #DoWhatYouPreach”.

Pastor Chris’ preachings are very much about material prosperity and promoting what he believes to be proper family values.

Nigerians from different walks of life who have known and followed Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s evangelism, either as admirers or skeptics of his messages, have been reacting to the news of the imminent end of his marriage.

Pius Adesanmi, a Nigerian Professor of English and Literature based in Canada, said in one his very popular Facebook posts: “I am truly sorry for the Oyakhilomes. I am saddened by the development. I have been a student of Pastor Chris for a very long time. I don’t joke with his videos. Do not be confused. I have no use for the Pastor’s message. I am an enemy of prosperity pentecostalism and the irreparable damage it is doing to African innovation, African hard work, African creativity, and common sense all over the continent. Pay your tithe, sow your seed, claim your miracle, and go to sleep while the pastor takes care of your business in a harem of private jets. But as one constantly on the lecture podium, I do not joke with Pastor Chris’ podium presence, modes of delivery, and audience rapport. I study his podium atmospherics.”

Commenting on Adesanmi’s post, Abdul Jimoh was sarcastic. “God’s servants. These people crack me up,” he said.

Evita Tatie, a Lagos-based warehouse owner, wondered aloud about the nature of the marriage of Pastor Chris and Anita. She asked: “Was there ever a real marriage between these two? Check his earlier ministrations there was never a physical presence in church of Madam Anita. We only saw madam in flyers and Rhapsody.”

•Photo shows Pastor Chris and wife Anita ministering together in happier times.