Veteran Nollywood actress and cleric Eucharia Anunobi has denied allegations linking her to a leaked audio recording purportedly suggesting a romantic and sexual relationship between her and Apostle Psalm Okpe, founder of the U.S.-based Fresh Oil Ministry International Church.
In a series of videos posted on her Instagram page on Sunday, the 60-year-old actress described the allegation as false, defamatory and malicious, announcing that she has instructed her lawyers to commence legal action against Okpe.
Anunobi said the circulating audio, which allegedly features Okpe speaking to another cleric, Pastor Martin, had caused her severe emotional distress and posed a serious threat to her reputation and 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. It is also a testament to his threats over the years to destroy my ministry,” she said.
She challenged Okpe to substantiate his alleged claim that they dated for five years and six months, insisting that no such relationship ever existed.
The actress disclosed that her legal team has been directed to petition the Nigerian Police Force, as well as relevant United States security and immigration authorities, accusing Okpe of making defamatory statements intended to tarnish her image as a public figure and preacher of the gospel.
Anunobi also expressed concern for her personal safety and that of her family, describing the allegations as dangerous and potentially inciting.
“I am ready to be taken for medical examination to ascertain if I have been having sex in almost 14 years since I have been ordained into ministry,” she said.
She categorically denied having any romantic or sexual relationship with Okpe, describing his claims as imaginary and asserting that her involvement with him was limited to financial support for his ministry.
“You claimed you dated me for five years, six months. You wish you could date me. I was giving you money to support your ministry because I am sold out to the things of the kingdom,” she said, adding that financial records could support her position.
Anunobi further stated that she has remained celibate for nearly 14 years since dedicating her life to Christian ministry, noting that although she had been in courtship and engagements during that period, none involved sexual relations.
“I have been celibate and have been keeping myself for the man that will be deserving of my new virginity,” she said.
The controversy followed the emergence of an alleged recorded phone conversation in which Apostle Okpe purportedly claimed he once dated the actress.
As of the time of filing this report, Apostle Okpe and his ministry had not issued any official response to Anunobi’s allegations or legal threats.
