By Ibrahim Obansa
The Ajanah family in Kogi State has refuted claims in a viral video allegedly linked to the general overseer of Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide, Pastor Paul Rika, describing their daughter, Oyiza Ajanah, as a member of the “marine world.”
Addressing journalists in Lokoja yesterday Oyiza’s mother, Mrs Margaret Ajanah, described the allegation as false, damaging, and unacceptable. She, however, noted that the family appreciates the church’s decision to dissolve the troubled marriage.
Mrs Ajanah explained that the controversy dates back to September last year, shortly after Oyiza got married to her husband, Isaac. According to her, the union was plagued by persistent challenges and was never consummated, raising serious concerns for both families.
She disclosed that her daughter had initially expressed doubts about the marriage about five weeks before the wedding, stating she did not love Isaac and wanted to call it off. Despite this, she encouraged her to proceed since she had already accepted his proposal.
“Oyiza and Isaac met at the Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide in Ibadan in 2022 while she was pursuing her Master’s degree at the University of Ibadan,” she said.
As the marital crisis deepened, the matter was reportedly taken to the church leadership. Pastor Rika later intervened during a reconciliation meeting held in Ibadan after attending a function in the city.
According to Mrs Ajanah, during the meeting, prayers were offered after both parties were heard.
However, she alleged that Pastor Rika’s wife, Sister Linda Paul Rika, claimed during the session that Oyiza belonged to the “marine world,” suggesting it was responsible for the couple’s marital difficulties, particularly the lack of consummation.
Family sources maintained that Oyiza had been a committed member of the church for over a decade, actively participating in its activities without any record of unusual behaviour or such allegations.
Mrs Ajanah further denied claims that she ever confirmed such an assertion, insisting that the statement attributed to her in the alleged sermon was untrue.
“I have never made such a statement. I want to state clearly that my daughter, Oyiza Ajanah, does not belong to any secret or marine world,” she said.
