By Vanessa Onah

Veteran Nollywood actress and evangelist, Eucharia Anunobi, has threatened legal action against Psalm Okpe, founder of Fresh Oil Ministry International Church, over claims that they were romantically involved for more than five years.

The dispute follows the circulation of a leaked audio recording in which Okpe and another cleric, identified as Martins, were heard making explicit remarks about alleged past sexual relationships with Anunobi and a church leader Chikere Nwafor.

The conversation also featured unverified allegations of homosexuality against another male pastor, further fuelling public outrage.

Okpe, who previously ordained Anunobi into ministry, later released a public apology, admitting the recording was “disturbing” and stating that he was “very embarrassed by those vulgar words”.

Reacting, Anunobi condemned the cleric, describing him as a “monumental global shame”.

In a detailed Instagram post, the 60-year-old preacher rejected Okpe’s claims, saying the allegations were false and had subjected her to “emotional trauma”.

She maintained that she has lived a celibate life since her ordination nearly 14 years ago, despite having been in relationships during that period.

“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.

“That is not to say that I have not been in courtship or not been engaged. Oh, I have been engaged for several years. I have been in courtship all this time.

“But 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.”

Anunobi further disclosed that she has commenced legal proceedings against Okpe and submitted petitions to both Nigerian and US authorities, citing defamation and long-standing threats to 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. And it is also a testament to his threats over the years to destroy my ministry.

“So, I have instituted a legal action so that he can come and prove how he dated me for five years and six months.

“My lawyers have been instructed to start the process of writing a petition to the Nigerian police force, the US Security and Immigration Department, against Psalm Okpe, for defamatory accusations,” she added.