Marriage remains one of Christianity’s most important teachings. However, remarriage continue to divide opinions among believers, particularly when pastors remarry after divorce.
Some denominations permit remarriage under specific circumstances. Others maintain stricter positions, particularly for church leaders.
Against this background, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya’s introduction of his new wife has renewed discussions about divorce, remarriage and the expectations placed on Christian ministers. 
NBG Africa reports on five Nigerian pastors whose marriages ended or changed before they entered new relationships.
1. Jimmy Odukoya Introduces New Wife to Church Members
Pastor Jimmy Odukoya is the latest pastor to remarry in recent time. He introduced his new wife, Pastor Mrs Mo, to members of the Fountain of Life Church in Ilupeju, Lagos, on Sunday, November 1. During the introduction, he told the congregation that he had carried out his pastoral responsibilities alone for years. He said he had searched for a companion and was happy to have found one.
“Ever since I became a pastor, I have been doing this work of life alone. The Bible said it’s not good. I was looking and searching, and I found,” he said.
He also addressed speculation surrounding a photograph he had shared on social media on Friday, October 29. The picture showed two hands wearing wedding rings, prompting questions about whether it was artwork or an announcement.
Jimmy’s new wife is the daughter of Reverend Theophilus and Bolaji Daniel. She reportedly was previously married to British-Nigerian gospel music producer and singer Mosadoluwa Adegboye, widely known as itsMOSA. Meanwhile, Jimmy is the son of late clerics Taiwo and Bimbo Odukoya. He was previously married to Oluwakemi Folashade Banjoko, their marriage took place in London in March 2013. Their marriage later ended in divorce, although they have two children together.
His remarriage has attracted mixed reactions, with some Christians questioning whether the Bible permits a divorced person to marry again. And whether pastors are to remarry after divorce. Social media critic Lola Okunrin was among those who criticised the development.
“Your pastor is committing adultery in your presence and you are cheering because it aligns with how the world relate,” she wrote.
He further argued that Christians should not remarry after divorce, insisting that a former spouse must die before another marriage can take place.
2. Prophet Joshua Iginla Remarries After Public Divorce Announcement
Prophet Joshua Iginla, founder of Champions Royal Assembly, also attracted public attention over the end of his first marriage and his subsequent remarriage. In 2019, Iginla publicly announced his divorce from his first wife, Yemisi. He cited mutual infidelity and the birth of children outside the marriage as reasons for the separation.
The announcement generated discussions about the challenges within their marriage and the responsibilities of religious leaders.
Iginla later married Stella Zimasa. His situation raises questions about how Christians interpret Jesus’ teaching on sexual immorality as a possible exception to the prohibition against divorce.
In Matthew 19:9, Jesus refers to sexual immorality when discussing divorce and remarriage. Some Christian traditions interpret this passage as permitting an innocent spouse to remarry after marital unfaithfulness. However, interpretations differ over whether the exception applies in every case and whether it covers a spouse who also committed adultery.
Iginla’s public explanation provides some context for his divorce. However, his remarriage also reflects the wider differences among Christian denominations on the subject.
3. Reverend Chris Okotie’s Two Marriages Ended in Separation or Divorce
Reverend Chris Okotie, founder of Household of God Church International Ministries, has also experienced two marriages. His first marriage to Tyna ended in 2001. Seven years later, he married Stephanie Henshaw in 2008. However, that marriage also ended in separation in 2012. The separation was attributed to irreconcilable differences.
Okotie’s marital history has often featured in discussions about whether pastors should remarry after a failed marriage. Unlike situations involving publicly stated allegations of infidelity, the information available here does not identify sexual immorality as the reason for either marriage ending.
The Bible addresses divorce in several passages, but it does not provide a detailed list covering every possible marital breakdown. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 19 focuses on the seriousness of marriage and the circumstances surrounding divorce. Paul also discusses separation and abandonment in 1 Corinthians 7.
However, Christians and church authorities differ over how these passages should apply to situations involving irreconcilable differences.
4. Pastor Ituah Ighodalo Remarried After His First Marriage Ended
Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, founder of Trinity House, was previously a provincial pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). His first marriage to Lucy-Ann Suinner ended years before he married again.
In 2007, he married the late Ibidunni Ajayi, a former beauty queen. His decision to remarry reportedly raised questions about RCCG’s position on remarriage after divorce. He allegedly stepped aside from the denomination and later established his own church, Trinity House.
Ighodalo’s second marriage lasted until Ibidunni’s death in 2020. He subsequently became a widower. His experience highlights another important distinction in biblical discussions about remarriage.
Romans 7:2–3 uses marriage to explain how death ends the legal bond between a husband and wife. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 7:39 says a wife remains bound to her husband while he lives but is free to marry again if he dies.
Therefore, Christian interpretations generally recognise widowhood as a circumstance in which remarriage is permitted.
5. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Has Not Remarried After Divorce
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of LoveWorld Incorporated, popularly known as Christ Embassy, also experienced the end of a long marriage. He was married to Anita Ebhodaghe for more than two decades. Their marriage ended in a divorce finalised in London in 2016.
Unlike some of the other clerics mentioned above, Oyakhilome has not remarried. His situation also brings attention to the different ways Christian leaders approach life after divorce.
Some choose to remain single, while others pursue new relationships or marriages. Their decisions may reflect personal convictions, church doctrines and interpretations of biblical teachings. The Bible does not command every divorced Christian to remarry. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul discusses the value of remaining unmarried while also recognising marriage as an option.
What Does the Bible Ultimately Say About Divorce and Remarriage? Pastor Kenny Explains
NBG Africa spoke with Pastor Kennedy who said that the Bible does not present divorce as something Christians should pursue casually. He noted that Jesus repeatedly emphasises the seriousness of marriage and condemns treating a spouse as something disposable. He stated:
“The Bible presents marriage as a lifelong commitment. In Matthew 19:4–6, Jesus teaches that a husband and wife become one flesh. He adds that people should not separate what God has joined together.”
“However, the Bible does not treat every marital situation in exactly the same way. In Matthew 19:9, Jesus identifies sexual immorality as an exception in discussions about divorce. Similarly, Paul addresses situations where an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave a marriage. In 1 Corinthians 7:15, he says the believing partner is not bound in such circumstances.”
He explained that the scripture also addresses difficult circumstances which include sexual immorality and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse. These passages form the basis of different Christian positions on divorce and remarriage. Kennedy said that the Bible recognises remarriage only after the death of a spouse.
“The Bible also addresses remarriage. Romans 7:2–3 and 1 Corinthians 7:39 recognise that death ends the marriage bond, allowing the surviving spouse to marry again,” he said.
Beyond these clear references, Christians disagree over how other circumstances should be handled. They disagree over how the biblical exceptions apply to remarriage after divorce.
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