Cleric denies alleged seven-year secret relationship, insists apology was made on advice of friends and does not imply guilt.

The founder of Mountain of Liberty and Miracle Ministry, Pastor Chris Okafor, has withdrawn the public apology he earlier issued to Nollywood actress Doris Ogala over her allegations that they were involved in a secret relationship.

Ogala had earlier claimed that she and the cleric were romantically involved for seven years, a claim that sparked widespread reactions on social media.

However, speaking during a recent church service, Okafor said the apology he issued previously was not a confession but a decision he made under intense pressure from people he described as friends.

According to the cleric, those close to him advised that apologising would help calm the controversy surrounding the allegations.

Okafor explained that he initially resisted the idea because he feared that offering an apology could easily be misinterpreted by the public as an admission that the actress’ claims were true.

He maintained that his decision at the time was meant to prevent further escalation of the dispute, but he now believes the gesture has been wrongly interpreted.

The pastor did not provide further details about the nature of his relationship with the actress but insisted that the apology should not be taken as confirmation of any wrongdoing.

The development adds a new twist to the ongoing public exchange between the cleric and the Nollywood star, which has continued to generate debate online.