Anita Oyakhilome divorced one of Nigeria's biggest pastors and rebuilt her life on her own terms
Anita Oyakhilome, also known as Anita Schafer, is a counsellor and ex-wife of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the founder and president of Christ Embassy, also known as Believer's Loveworld. The two were married in 1991 and had two children together. Their marriage faced challenges, and they officially divorced in 2016.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Anita Oyakhilome's profile summary
- Anita Oyakhilome's biography
- Fast facts
- FAQs
Key takeaways
- Anita Oyakhilome was married to Pastor Chris Oyakhilome from 1991 until their divorce was finalised in 2016.
- She and Chris have two daughters, Carissa Sharon and Charlene Oyakhilome.
- Anita is currently working as a counsellor and an integrated life solution therapist.
- She incorporates a combination of therapy types in her practice.
Anita Oyakhilome's profile summary
Full name | Anita Schafer |
Gender | Female |
Date of birth | 26 February 1969 |
Age | 57 years old (as of 2026) |
Zodiac sign | Pisces |
Current residence | United Kingdom |
Ethnicity | Swedish |
Religion | Christianity |
Sexuality | Straight |
Hair colour | Black |
Eye colour | Brown |
Father | John Ebhodaghe |
Siblings | 4 |
Relationship status | Divorced |
Ex-husband | Pastor Chris Oyakhilome |
Children | 2 |
University | Edo State University |
Profession | Counsellor |
Social media |
Anita Oyakhilome's biography
Anita Oyakhilome was born on 26 February 1969. She grew up in Nigeria and is the eldest of five children. Her father, John Ebhodaghe, was a former chief executive of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, according to biographical reports.
She studied English at Edo State University in Ekpoma, now known as Ambrose Alli University. Her career later moved into ministry, counselling and personal development.
Before her divorce, Anita was a prominent figure within Christ Embassy. She served as the director of the church's International Office and as a member of its Central Executive Council.
Who are Anita Oyakhilome's parents?
Anita's father, John Ebhodaghe, is a former head of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation. Anita Oyakhilome's mother is rarely discussed publicly. What is known is that she has Swiss family roots, and Anita has largely kept this side of her family out of the media.
Source: Original
Anita and Pastor Chris Oyakhilome's relationship
Anita met Chris Oyakhilome while they were students. At the time, Chris was already involved in Christian ministry and led a campus fellowship. Their relationship eventually developed into marriage. The couple got married in Lagos in 1991 and became one of Nigeria's best-known Christian couples.
Chris went on to establish Christ Embassy, also known as LoveWorld, while Anita became an important figure within the ministry. She was known publicly as Pastor Anita and became involved in its international operations.
Their marriage lasted for more than two decades. However, problems eventually emerged, and the couple's relationship became the subject of public attention.
Anita Oyakhilome's children
Anita and Chris have two daughters, Carissa Sharon Oyakhilome, born on 11 August 1993 and Charlene Oyakhilome, born two years later.
Carissa Sharon, also known as CSO, became involved in Christ Embassy's music ministry. She is known as a gospel singer and performer. She married Ghanaian-Dutch businessman Phillip Frimpong in Lagos in October 2018. Pastor Benny Hinn officiated the ceremony.
Carissa and Phillip later welcomed a daughter, Arielle Rachelle-Marise, making Chris Oyakhilome a grandfather. Charlene has generally maintained a lower public profile than her older sister.
How old is Pastor Chris Oyakhilome's first daughter?
As of 2026, Carissa Sharon Oyakhilome is 33 years old and an ardent participant in Christ Embassy. As a gospel singer, she contributes to the congregation's music ministry, the LoveWorld Music and Arts Ministry, going by the stage name CSO.
Carissa passionately writes and performs gospel songs as part of the ministry. In October 2018, she tied the knot with Phillip Frimpong in a beautiful wedding ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria.
The wedding was officiated by Pastor Benny Hinn, a close friend of her father. Carissa and Phillip are now proud parents to a lovely child named Arielle Rachelle-Marise. Chris Oyakhilome's son-in-law is a businessman.
Why did Anita leave Chris Oyakhilome?
Anita and Chris's marriage was relatively short-lived, as they officially divorced in 2016. Pastor Chris stated that the divergence in their visions for the church became a deal-breaker in their relationship.
Speculation also arose about the potential impact of their geographical distance on the decision to divorce.
During their marriage, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome spent most of his time in Nigeria, while his now-ex-wife resided in the United Kingdom for most of the year. This geographical separation may have contributed to the strain on their relationship.
Did Pastor Chris Oyakhilome remarry?
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has not remarried. He is committed to his service in Christ Embassy. His devotion to ministry continues to inspire as he ministers, teaches, and brings healing to thousands of individuals.
Is Pastor Anita Oyakhilome remarried?
No. Details about Anita Oyakhilome's new husband are unavailable, as there is no credible evidence that she has remarried; she remains divorced and has kept her personal life private. After her divorce from Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Anita, whose maiden name is Anita Ebhodaghe, reverted to it and later added "Schafer" to her name.
Where is Anita Oyakhilome now?
Currently residing in the United Kingdom, Anita works as a counsellor and an integrated life solution therapist. In her practice, she skillfully combines multiple types of therapy.
Her primary focus is counselling and assisting individuals coping with stress, abuse, grief, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, loneliness, trauma, lack of energy, or motivation.
With extensive experience, Anita has served in various supportive roles for communities, families, and individuals for over 20 years, in both paid and voluntary capacities.
She firmly believes that having a life solution coach by one's side can provide the support needed to establish a profound connection with oneself, recognise personal strengths, and ultimately create transformative change in one's life.
Pastor Anita's new church
Anita doesn't have a church but runs her blog, where she shares her counselling and coaching services. She has also authored two books, Thrive: Poems to Inspire and Empower You and Prayer and Healing Journal.
Fast facts
- She posts motivational quotes and scriptures on her Instagram page.
- She has an e-book, 100 Ways To Cherish Yourself and Get Back On Your Feet.
- She loves photography and travelling.
FAQs
- When was Anita Ebhodaghe Schafer's wedding? The exact date of her reported wedding has not been publicly confirmed.
- Who was Anita Schafer's husband? Anita Schafer's alleged husband has not been reliably identified in public sources. The surname Schafer sparked speculation that she had remarried, but details about the purported marriage remain unconfirmed.
- Who is Anita Oyakhilome married to now? As of July 2026, Anita Oyakhilome's marital status has not been publicly confirmed. Although she is known as Anita Ebhodaghe Schafer, there is no verified information identifying a current husband.
- Who is the first wife of Chris Oyakhilome? Anita Ebhodaghe, formerly known as Anita Oyakhilome, is the first and former wife of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. They married in 1991 and had two daughters before their divorce was finalised in 2016.
Anita Oyakhilome and Nigerian Pastor Chris Oyakhilome were married for two decades. Presently, she dedicates herself to the role of a counsellor, extending support and inspiring hope to those who find themselves in vulnerable situations or facing specific challenges in life.
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