You Can Marry Married Men, Pastor Odekunle Epaphras Advises Single Christian Ladies

Against the backdrop of an overwhelming number of Christian single ladies unable to find husbands even when they are long due for marriage, Pastor Odekunle Epaphras has advised Christian ladies that they can marry married men, contradicting traditional church doctrines on marriage. Pastor Epaphras  argues that not all women will find single men and some should consider married men if they are willing to formalize the relationship. This controversial advice has drawn diverse reactions and criticism, with some urging pastors to focus on scriptural teachings. Others however, say the pastor is right as the bible is replete with many men of God who married more than one wife and yet were very close to God. These respondents point to the fact that polygamy is a way of life for those in the region where Christianity originated from, and that the concept of monogamy in Christianity is a European culture imported into Christianity even when it is not in the bible.

Contrary to the doctrine of monogamy, for which the church is known for, Epaphras advised single ladies to date married men who are willing to meet with the ladies’ families and formalise the relationship.

According to Epaphras, not all ladies would be opportune to marry single men, as a result, some of them should look inwards the direction of married men.

The cleric gave the piece of advice while responding to some of the questions raised by his followers.

“Not everyone will marry single men. Some people will marry married men. If a married man wants to marry you accordingly, ready to meet with your family, and has made necessary arrangements with his family, you can go ahead and marry him,” the pastor stated.

”Some people may criticise this but it is my candid advice,” he added.

The 51-year old pastor hosts several programmes on social media, with the most prominent being the Online Radio Broadcast.

These programs are largely broadcast live on his Facebook page, Odekunle Epaphras Baba Mi O, and his YouTube channel.

However, other religious leaders, such as Prophet A.T. Joel, have opposed this view, encouraging believers to follow biblical standards rather than seeking human solutions to companionship, noting that polygamy is not commanded in scripture.

“I agree that salvation is the only thing that will take us to heaven but those who are genuinely saved will follow the word of God,” Prophet A. T. Joel said in a Facebook post.

“Polygamy is man's creation and like many other human errors, God isn't its author. God is faithful to sort us all. I know how painful it is for eligible singles especially sisters but we must not keep breaking God's Word to satisfy ourselves,” he added.

Prophet Joel went on: “No man’s word is superior to the scriptures, the Bible is the final authority over  all things. One thing every pastor must do is to help our brethren to fully trust God and flee ungodly desires and expectations.

Responding to Prophet Joel, a Facebook user with the name Abiodun William Shobowale said, “I commented on that post yesterday actually. Was sad to hear that from the man. It’s one temptation faced by men of God  because their ministerial focus is on women and marriage. Seeing many single ladies thronging his programme and yet having no ready suitors who will become husbands  might have been the factor responsible for such straying from the word of God. Since they wont allow him to rest, he had to look for a solution from his mind so that they can let him rest . May the Lord help him to correct himself.”

Some people who spoke with Lagos Today Extra, however, did not agree with Prophet Joel’s criticism. According to them, the bible does not condemn anyone for marrying more than one wife.

“If you carefully look through the bible, you would notice that those who where very close to God were polygamous in nature,” Ijeoma, who resides in the Yaba area of Lagos stated, adding that the concept of monogamy in Christianity was imported into the church by European missionaries who used it as an avenue to further expand the European cultures through Christianity.

“it’s sad that those in the Middle East where Christianity originated from, are a polygamous society; the Europeans who took the religion from them and brought it to us infused their monogamous culture and we Africans, who have a polygamous heritage, swallowed it hook, line and sinker,” Ijeoma told our correspondent.

Another respondent, Evangelist Adeleke, said even the New Testament of the bible does not forbid polygamy except for those occupying some ministerial positions in the church.

“You hear some people say polygamy in the bible is a doctrine of the Old Testament but the New Testament does not forbid it either. Look at 1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:6 and 1 Timothy 3:12.  Paul writes that if anyone aspires to the office of pastor or deacon, he must be ‘the husband of one wife’. What does that tell you? It simply means that any Christian, except those occupying those offices, can marry more than one wife. And it is easy to understand why the bible puts such a restriction on occupiers of those offices. A pastor or deacon is someone who should be focused on the ministry and not being diverted by family issues. It’s not because it is a sin to marry more than one wife. If marrying more than one wife is something detestable to God, he would never have gone near the likes of Jacob, David and many others who married more than one wife,” Adeleke said.

He however said he could never muster enough courage to publicly tell this to his church as he would be excommunicated if he did that.

 

Editor’s Note: Please, we urge readers, especially Christians, to frankly express their views on the comment section below. We intend to make a compilation and do a critical analysis of the issue from the standpoint of readers. 

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Autistic Teenage Cyclist Presents Guinness World Record Certificate To Arts And Culture Minister

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, on Wednesday received a Guinness World Record certificate from 15-year-old autistic artist and cyclist, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, following his 686-mile cycling expedition from Enugu to Lagos.

The presentation took place in Abuja, where the minister described the teenager as an inspiration to Nigeria and the global autism community.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Nneka Anibeze, the Special Adviser to the minister, Musawa praised Kanye’s resilience, creativity and determination, while commending his family for supporting and nurturing his talents.

“Kanye is the personification of what makes us want to be better human beings. He continues to break every single glass ceiling and surpass every expectation,” the minister said.

She added, “When the world talks about the greats, and the likes of Mandela, I have no doubt that somewhere, the name Kanye will be there. I even believe that one day, he may be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize. That is something I feel in my spirit.”

Earlier, Kanye’s mother, Silvia Tagbo-Okeke, formally presented the certificate to the minister and thanked her for supporting the teenager’s advocacy and artistic projects over the years.

“This second Guinness World Record is for cycling. He cycled from Enugu to Lagos, and it was also a tourism journey, captured along the way with community engagements and receptions in various states,” she said.

“We are here to officially present the record to our ‘Mummy’ because you have always supported us and our exhibitions over the years,” she added.

Dr Tagbo-Okeke also disclosed that Kanye is scheduled to hold an art exhibition at the United Nations headquarters in New York from May 20 to August 25, 2026.

Kanye, accompanied by his family and support team, completed the cycling expedition between March 19 and April 2, 2026, travelling across several states from Enugu to Lagos.

The journey, which promoted autism awareness and tourism, featured community engagements and official receptions showcasing Nigeria’s culture, heritage and landscapes.

The feat also established him as the youngest person to cycle more than 100 miles, surpassing the benchmark with a total distance of 686 miles covered during the expedition.

  

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NIWA To Develop A West Coast Cargo Jetty For Seamless Water Transportation In The Subregion

The National Inland Waterways Authority has announced plans to facilitate the development of a West Coast cargo jetty aimed at enhancing the seamless movement of goods and services across the sub-region.

In a recent statement, the agency said that the development was part of a strategic move to maximise Nigeria’s vast inland waterways.

According to the statement, this was made known during a joint inspection of the Marina Jetty in Lagos last week by officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Immigration Service, NIWA, and a delegation from Ghana comprising corporate and private sector trade representatives.

NIWA also stressed that it may operationalise some of its existing jetties to boost cargo traffic between Nigeria and Ghana as a pilot phase of the initiative.

Speaking during the event, the acting Managing Director of NIWA, Mr Yusuf Girei, reiterated the agency’s readiness “to support the proposed West Coast cargo jetty”.

He highlighted the availability of extensive waterfront infrastructure capable of driving efficient, technology-driven, and hassle-free cargo operations with direct access to key markets within Lagos.

Girei explained that NIWA’s expansive network of waterways positions it as a critical enabler of inland cargo movement across West Africa.

He noted that NIWA’s existing operational experience, particularly along the Calabar–Cameroon route, provides a solid foundation for scaling similar initiatives across the West Coast corridor.

“We are committed to leveraging our infrastructure and expertise to facilitate regional trade.

 Our experience on the Calabar–Cameroon route demonstrates the viability of inland water transport in boosting market access within Nigeria and across West Africa,” Girei said.

  

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NSCDC Takes Anti-Cultism Campaign To Lagos Schools

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Command, has warned pupils of Guided Path School against cultism, bullying, and other social vices to promote school safety and security awareness.

This is contained in a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Mr Oluwaseun Abolurin, on Thursday in Lagos.

Abolurin said the State Commandant, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, gave the warning during a sensitisation visit and interactive session held at the NSCDC State Command Headquarters, Alausa, Lagos.

He said Keshinro reaffirmed the command’s commitment to the safety of school children, teachers, and host communities.

“The commandant noted that the corps remains dedicated to protecting educational environments across the state,” Abolurin said.

According to the spokesperson, the NSCDC is working through strategic collaboration with stakeholders under the Safe School Initiative to ensure a secure learning environment for pupils and students.

He said the command hosted 17 pupils and three teachers on a field trip to expose them to the corps’ operations and educate them on citizenship and security awareness.

He added that the pupils were sensitised on school safety, the statutory roles of the NSCDC, and the importance of discipline within and outside the school environment.

“They were also educated on the dangers of cultism, bullying, smoking, harassment, assault, and other social vices, with officials advising them to shun behaviours that could endanger their future,” he said.

Abolurin said the session featured presentations by officials of the command, including the Head of Safe School and Legal Unit, Assistant Commandants Helen Gady and Adebimpe Bada.

He said they explained the functions, structure, and responsibilities of the corps.

The image maker said pupils and teachers also participated in an interactive session, asking questions and receiving clarifications on NSCDC operations, history, and uniforms.

He said the Director of Guided Pathway School, Mrs Lasaki Rizqah, expressed appreciation to the command, describing the engagement as impactful and educational.

“Rizqah noted that the visit enhanced pupils’ understanding of school safety, civic responsibility, and national security,” he said.

Abolurin said the engagement was part of ongoing efforts to promote public awareness and strengthen collaboration between security agencies and educational institutions in the state.

NAN

  

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2027: Obafemi Hamzat Submits Nomination Form, As Reps Aspirant Wants Ticket Zoned To Ebute-Metta West

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the 2027 governorship election at the secretariat of the ruling All Progressives Congress  (APC) in Abuja.

Hamzat, speaking after the submission, reaffirmed his commitment to service, responsible leadership and the continued progress of the state, saying his decision to contest was driven by a sense of duty to the people of Lagos and a resolve to build on existing developmental strides.

Meanwhile, a House of Representatives aspirant for Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency, Abdulhakeem Animashahun, has urged the zoning of the party’s ticket to Ebute-Metta West ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying that fairness, equity, and security considerations demand a shift in political representation within the constituency.

Animashahun appealed during a live interaction where he outlined decades of imbalance in the zoning of the House of Representatives seat between the two major blocs in Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency.

According to him, Constituency II has dominated the seat for a disproportionate period, holding it for about 20 out of the last 27 years, while Constituency I has only had approximately eight years of representation since 1999.

He said that the initial tenure from 1999 to 2007 was held by a representative from Constituency II, who later moved to Constituency I, further complicating the zoning balance.

Animashahun noted that after Constituency II completed what should have been its second cycle of representation, the seat was expected to return to Constituency I.

He stressed that adopting a zoning arrangement would not only address longstanding grievances but also serve as a strategic move to prevent potential violence and ensure broader political participation in Lagos Mainland.

  

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I Once Priced My Own Casket In A Moment Of Despair And Hopelessness - Nollywood Actor, Dele Odule

Veteran Nollywood actor Dele Odule has revealed that there was a difficult phase in his life where he once went out of his way to find out the price of a casket because he could not see a bright future for himself.

Speaking during a recent interview with Feelright TV, the actor recounted how things became tough for him while he was in Abeokuta, explaining that he made the decision in his moment of despair and was accompanied by his colleague, Olaiya Igwe.

“I had priced my own casket before, when everything and my life were in shambles in Abeokuta. I didn’t get myself anymore; I didn’t believe I could break through. Olaiya Igwe knows about it; I went there with him, and he started crying like a baby,” he said.

Odule explained that at the time, he felt completely stuck and discouraged, especially seeing people he once schooled with progressing in life while he struggled to find his footing.

He added, “I wasn’t sick; I just believed I could no longer have breakthroughs in the industry. I was fed up. Because all my schoolmates are doing far better than me and my life was nothing to write home about.”

Dele Odule is a renowned and respected figure in Yoruba Nollywood, with a career spanning decades across stage and film productions. He has enjoyed a distinguished career in Nigerian cinema since the late 1980s.

He has also served as President of the Theatre Arts and Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).

  

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Fuji Music Star Pasuma Welcomes Grandson In America

Popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Alabi, popularly known as Pasuma has announced the birth of his grandchild, born to his daughter, Opeyemi Ololade.

The musician announced on his official Instagram page on Wednesday, congratulating himself and his daughter.

He wrote, “Congratulations to me. My darling daughter, Opeyemi Ololade, a proud American Navy servicewoman, gave birth to a baby boy yesterday in America. Another soldier joins my family! Alhamdulilahi. So proud of you, my daughter.

Celebrities and well-wishers have taken to the post’s comments section to congratulate and celebrate with the music star and his family.

Actor Muyiwa Ademola wrote, “Congratulations dear brother. More happiness”

Actress Faithia William wrote, “Congratulations”

Actress Fausat Balogun wrote, “Congratulations latest grandpa”

Actor and Skitmaker Akinyoola Ayoola popularly known as Kamil State wrote, “Congratulations sir

  

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I Got Over N1 Million For My Role In 'Monica 2' Movie - Blessing Onwukwe

Nollywood actress Blessing Onwukwe has revealed that she earned more than ₦1 million for her role in the second part of the viral movie Monica.

Speaking during an interview with Yanga FM on Tuesday, the actress, popularly known for playing the controversial “Mama Monica” character, said the success of the film also reflected in her pay.

“Monica passed one million. It passed one million for Monica II. I don’t want to call any other amount, but it’s more than one million,” she said.

Onwukwe also opened up on how she got the role, explaining that she was contacted unexpectedly and later had to study the script carefully before stepping into character.

“I started thinking about how I was going to bring the character to life. I had to create a background story for her,” she explained.

According to the actress, she mentally prepared herself for the role long before production began, a process she said helped her deliver the emotionally intense “Mama Monica” performance that has stirred conversations online.

The movie Monica, which stars Uche Montana, has emerged as one of Nollywood’s biggest releases of 2026, attracting millions of views on YouTube.

The film, which focuses on family struggles and the challenges faced by a firstborn daughter, has continued to generate massive reactions from viewers, with many praising Onwukwe’s realistic portrayal of the manipulative mother figure.

  

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Davido Unveils Plans To Study For His Masters In A UK University, Reflects On 15 Years In Music Industry

Afrobeats star Davido has announced plans to enrol in a one-year master’s programme in political science at a UK university next year. 

Speaking during a recent livestream, the award-winning artist clarified that he would not enrol in a course at Adeleke University, contrary to expectations.

He confirmed that the postgraduate program will follow the standard one-year format common to many UK master’s courses. 

He stated, “I want to do my Master’s next year in the UK, a one-year course in political science. I already have my B.Sc,” when asked if the program will take place at Adeleke University, he said no.

The announcement has been met with support from fans, many of whom have highlighted it as a step toward personal growth outside of entertainment. 

The singer also reflected on his 15 years in the music industry, acknowledging what he described as divine timing during this period.

“God is the best of all planners! 15 years in da game”, he wrote on X.

The milestone aligns with his 2026 induction into Atlanta’s Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame, reinforcing his enduring influence on the genre.

Over the past decade and a half, Davido has delivered a string of hits that have not only dominated the Nigerian charts but also helped push Afrobeats onto the international stage.

1. Back When (2011) – The May 7, 2011, release introduced the 18-year-old as a confident newcomer and served as the lead single for his debut album Omo Baba Olowo.  

2. Dami Duro (2011) – Released on October 30, the Shizzi-produced track bypassed the typical slow rise of new artists and became an instant cultural anthem ahead of his album launch.  

3. All of You (2012) – A defiant GospelOnDeBeatz production that asserted his identity in an industry still assessing his potential.  

4. Skelewu (2013) – The August 13 release sparked over 100,000 fan dance videos on YouTube, making it one of the earliest viral marketing successes in Nigerian music.  

5. Aye (2014) – The Clarence Peters-directed love song, released February 1, became a continental hit and won Song of the Year at The Headies.  

6. Fans Mi feat. Meek Mill (2015) – The June 9 collaboration marked his first major push into the U.S. hip-hop market, reaching one million YouTube views in 15 days.  

7. IF (2017) – The February 17 comeback, produced by Tekno, reestablished him after a difficult Sony period and signalled a return to homegrown talent.  

8. Fall (2017) – Released on June 2, it became the longest-charting Nigerian song in Billboard history and the first to earn RIAA gold certification, expanding Afrobeats’ global reach.  

9. FIA (2017) – The November 10 single was the third in a four-hit streak that made 2017 his most dominant year.  

10. Like Dat (2017) – Released November 24, it completed a run of four consecutive hits rarely matched by any Nigerian artist in a single year.  

11. Assurance (2018) – The April 30 love letter to Chioma Rowland turned her into a household name and became an anthem across Africa.  

12. Blow My Mind feat. Chris Brown (2019) – The July 26 collaboration highlighted Afrobeats’ growing parity with global pop acts.  

13. FEM (2020) – Released September 10 as a response to Burna Boy, the song was later adopted as the unofficial anthem of Nigeria’s #EndSARS protests in October.  

14. Unavailable feat. Musa Keys (2023) – The Amapiano-infused track reached No. 3 on Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats chart and earned Davido his first Grammy nominations for Best African Music Performance, Best Global Music Performance, and Best Global Music Album.  

15. With You feat. Omah Lay (2025) – The 17th track on his fifth album 5IVE surpassed 100 million Spotify streams and secured his fifth Grammy nomination, proving his relevance 15 years after his debut.

  

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How I Landed My First One Billion Naira Deal - Nollywood Star Actress, Tonto Dikeh

Nollywood star actress Tonto Dikeh has attributed her first billion-naira deal to discipline and restraint, saying the opportunity came through a prominent African figure who valued her conduct over qualifications.  

In an Instagram post, the actress reflected on the concept of “access” and how she consciously maintained boundaries with people she respects.

She said the approach, which she once thought made her seem distant, later proved to be a foundation for trust and opportunity.  

Dikeh revealed that a powerful contractor, whom she has known for years, offered her the deal after noting she never exploited their relationship or made personal requests despite being given an open invitation to do so. 

According to her, the contractor said her consistent respect and distance made her the right choice when the opportunity arose.  

The actress described the moment as emotional, saying it helped her realise that discipline and character could create opportunities that cannot be forced.  

She wrote: “Access is a heavy responsibility. Growing up, I learned something early: the more I loved and respected you, the more careful I became around you. I kept my distance, not out of pride, but out of discipline. I didn’t want to misuse the privilege of access. For the longest time, I thought it made me strange, maybe even “too different” Or WEIRD”

“Then, a few years ago, everything made sense. I landed a job that changed my life, my first billion from a single deal. The truth? I wasn’t the most qualified. So I had to ask why me.

“The contractor who happens to be a very powerful figure in Africa said something I’ll never forget: “T, I’ve known you for years. Out of everyone around me, you’re one of the very few I could call on at any time, but you never took advantage of that. You never crossed boundaries. You never gave me a reason to avoid your calls. Because of requests, You never asked me for anything even when I literally gave you a blank cheque to always come to me for anything and everything. Infact you stayed away and only called to congratulate or celebrate with me when I win. So when this opportunity came, it felt right to give it to you.”

“I broke down in tears. In that moment, I realized something powerful: Being “different” wasn’t a weakness, it was preparation.

“Discipline protected my access. Restraint preserved my relationships. Character created opportunities I could never have forced.

“So yes, call it weird if you want. But sometimes, being wired differently is exactly what sets you apart, and positions you for favor you didn’t even ask for..

“So yes if I respect and genuinely love you and still keep my distance, now you understand why I’ll never be the girl to be in anyone face”.

  

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