Mixed reactions follow Pastor Okotie’s separation from wife

Mixed reactions have continued to surround the announcement made on Sunday by Head Pastor, Household of God Church, Rev. Chris Okotie, that his marriage to Stephanie Henshaw had ended due to irreconcilable differences.
While most of the comments are uncomplimentary, a few people are at a loss as to the reasons behind the break-up of the union of the glamorous couple.
A particular online comment read, “Do not be a judge over this, the best way to show love is to pray for them at this trying moments of their lives. It could happen to anyone and they would rather their privacy was respected. I rest my case.”
Another reader wrote, “My pastor, well who am I to judge? Let us not blame him because nobody knows the actual fact why he has taken such decisions.
“No man of God will be happy to be the subject of reproach to the family he belongs. The devil must be put to shame. Please let us pray for men of God…”
While some people are of the opinion that the man of God may not have been patient enough, one said, “And he’s a pastor … Divorce is not an option in the eyes of God… where adultery wasn’t the case (correct me if I’m wrong) … I’m not judging o, but does the status ‘Man of God’ mean anything to these people?”
The announcement which was made shortly before the close of service came as a surprise to the congregation, as they were speechless for some time.
The Sunday service, which coincided with the Cleric’s 54th birthday celebration, had witnessed soul lifting songs and dances interspersed with fervent prayers, ministration and cutting of the cake.
Thereafter, an emotion laden Okotie, suddenly drew the attention of the church saying, “Stephanie and I are no longer married. We have separated. You can see she’s not in church today. It’s due to irreconcilable differences and you should please respect our wishes at this time because there is no going back.”
A statement on the separation attributed to the church and made available to The PUNCH by one Ladi Ayodeji, also corroborated the pastor’s stance. It partly read, “The Pastor of our Church, the Household of God, Oregun, Lagos, Rev. Chris Okotie, announced his separation from Stephanie, his wife of four years, at the end of service last Sunday.
“Both parties arrived at this decision after a careful review of the prevailing circumstances which pointed to the fact that it is the best option for them at this time. They also agreed not to divulge details of this incident for personal reasons.”

Story: PUNCH