Christ Embassy Pastor seems ready to defend the divorce petition filed by his estranged wife Anita. Earlier in April, Anita had filed for divorce at Central Family Court, High Holborn, London, UK, on the grounds of “unreasonable behaviour” and “adultery”. The popular Pastor had denied outrightly the allegation of adultery and is now ready to gather a team of Lawyers to represent him.
The names of the legal representatives to represent Oyakhilome remains unknown, although they are expected to come from the UK since the wife also engaged the services of a British law firm, Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors. It is yet unclear the position to be taken by Oyakhilome on the case ? either to stall the divorce or to stop the wife from getting hefty alimony. “The pastor is sending mixed messages all the time. We honestly don’t know his mind yet,” a pastor with the church told TheCable, citing instances of Oyakhilome getting angry over his wife’s action and other instances when he appeared conciliatory, seeking that she should retrace her steps and return to her matrimonial home. Oyakhilome had got wind of his wife’s divorce moves as far back as February this year and tried to stall, but she still went ahead to file the case in April. For two months, he avoided being served the court papers but was eventually tricked into accepting service by the wife’s lawyers who went to visit him at his London hotel incognito
Although the marriage was contracted in Nigeria, Anita might have chosen the UK for the divorce because that is where she resides and Western courts are known for their strong stand on family issues. If the case ends in her favour, she could get alimony of up to 50% of Oyakhilome’s assets, which include hotels and real estate in many countries. Under the divorce process, he is expected to file his response to the wife’s allegations and state grounds under which he thinks the marriage should not be dissolved. He could also try to prove to the court that his wife does not deserve significant alimony because of the circumstances of the case.
However, Pastor Chris is yet to file a response to the petition. Anita’s lawyers may now be forced to ask for the next step ? which is the actual dissolution of the union ? if Oyakhilome’s lawyers keep them waiting.
