Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and wife Helen allegedly end 25-year-marriage

Former president of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ayo Oritsejafor, and his wife Helen have allegedly separated after 25 years in marriage.

According to several reports making waves online, the clergyman and his Mrs parted ways over a protracted and bitter misunderstanding.

According to a report by Sahara Reporters, the marriage crashed over allegations of infidelity, among others.

Helen reportedly moved out of the matrimonial home and relocated to the United Kingdom, while Pastor Oritsejafor was said to have moved back to the house after abandoning it for almost a year.

Mama Helen Oritsejafor, as she is affectionately known among Congregants of the Church, was formerly in charge of administrative duties in the church and accorded the respect and benefits that came with being the wife of the Church’s founder and first lady.

On the condition of anonymity, some church members said “Mama” has been physically attacking Papa Ayo Oritsejafor on a regular basis recently.

“She has been attacking Papa Ayo each time he came back home from Church and it’s no longer funny.

“Papa had to move out of their matrimonial home and camped in an unknown location for fear of his life because she has made some threats too”.

“Helen reportedly moved out of the matrimonial home and relocated to Britain with the kids and Pastor Oritsejafor has moved back to the house after abandoning it for almost a year,” a source said.

Helen ceased attending church services for a while, according to a source.

A top source close to the family confirmed to PM News that Oritsejafor had truly parted ways with Helen over a protracted disagreement.

The source alleged that the pastor also accused the wife of changing the documents of Eagle Flight Micro-finance Bank, founded by Oritsejafor in the name of his church, to her personal name.

The pastor had said the bank belonged to the church even though Helen was the Chairman of Eagle Flight Micro-finance Bank.

However, speaking with SaharaReporters, a close source to Pastor Helen said the allegations levelled against her were not true, noting that proof should be provided.

The source affirmed that the allegation that Helen has been dating a man for 10 years is also not true, adding that she did not change the name on any documents.

The source said, “Unless people get divorced on social media, otherwise there is nothing like that.

“The Helen that I know loves her husband so much and they have been married for 25 years. She practically lived her life through her husband, she gave him all.

“I was shocked when I saw the report online. Husband and wife sometimes do have issues, which is applicable to them also. I am aware there are issues, but I never knew it would degenerate to this level.

“She left with the children around September for the United Kingdom because they had been admitted to study there, and the father is quite aware of that.

“Allegation that she has been dating a man for 10 years is not true and not possible.

“I can remember that the 10 years ago that they are referring to, Mama (Pastor Helen) went out of her way to make sure he got a plane for her husband when he was doing his 40th anniversary. Though people rumoured that it was (Goodluck) Jonathan that gave him a plane then.

“Mama got some of Papa’s children in Nigeria and abroad, she moved from one place to another just to make sure we got that anniversary gift and that it will be easier for him to be able to preach the gospel.

“The allegation is not true, it’s baseless, otherwise, they should produce the proof. For whatever reason, they cannot just be flying rumours about someone without proof.

“There are ways to end relationships, they are both mature, but to go out and give excuses to justify wrong, I think it’s unbiblical and shameful. And again, as I said, they should provide proof for the allegations made.

“Another lie; she never changed any documents and she is still the chairman of the bank. Yes, it belongs to the church, but she started the bank and her money is there.”

“She gave her all to Papa Ayo Oritsejafor without any reservations, I’m yet to see a woman who has been as committed, loyal and submissive as she has been. God is in control. It’s well,” the source added.