Anita Ebhodaghe: Biography, Net Worth, And Career Achievements

If you’ve been around Nigerian Christian circles—or even just curious about big names in the global Pentecostal movement—then you’ve probably heard of Anita Ebhodaghe. You might know her as the former Pastor Anita Oyakhilome, co-founder of Christ Embassy, or perhaps from her insightful devotionals and Christian books.

But here’s the thing: Anita’s story isn’t just about her days in the pulpit or her high-profile marriage. It’s about a woman who rose to prominence, weathered very public storms, and managed to reinvent herself while staying true to her core purpose—helping people heal, grow, and find meaning.

In this post, we’re diving deep into her early life, rise to ministry fame, marriage and family, life after divorce, career achievements, and net worth. By the end, you’ll not just know the facts—you’ll also see why her journey continues to inspire thousands worldwide.

Early Life and Education – The Making of a Leader

Anita Ebhodaghe was born on February 26, 1969, in Edo State, Nigeria, into a family that valued education, faith, and discipline. Her father, John Ebhodaghe, served as Managing Director and CEO of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC)—a significant role in Nigeria’s financial sector. Her mother, of Swiss origin, brought a blend of European values and Nigerian heritage into the home. Anita is the eldest of five siblings, which, if you’re from a big family, you know usually means: leadership training starts early.

Her educational journey began in Nigeria, and later, she attended Ambrose Alli University (then called Edo State University) in Ekpoma. There, she studied English Language—a field that would later influence her writing style, her sermons, and her ministry communications.

And here’s the life-changing twist: while in university, Anita crossed paths with a charismatic young man named Chris Oyakhilome, who was already leading a campus fellowship. That meeting would change the course of her life forever.

The Rise in Ministry – From Campus Fellowship to Global Stage

When Anita joined the campus fellowship that would grow into Christ Embassy (Believers’ LoveWorld), she wasn’t just another member—she became a pillar of the ministry.

From the get-go, Anita showed exceptional organizational and leadership skills. Over time, she rose to become:

• Vice President of Believers’ LoveWorld Inc.

• Pastor in charge of Christ Embassy’s UK branches

• Member of the Central Executive Council (the highest governing body in the ministry)

• Registered Trustee in both Nigeria and the UK arm of the ministry

• Leader of the International Office

That’s not all. Anita was also instrumental in producing and distributing one of the ministry’s most powerful tools—Rhapsody of Realities, a daily devotional co-authored with Chris Oyakhilome that’s been translated into hundreds of languages.

She also penned several Christian books of her own, including:

• Don’t Pack Your Bags Yet

• Confession for Living

• Handbook for Successful Living

• Unending Springs of Joy

These weren’t just feel-good titles; they became study materials, sermon guides, and personal transformation tools for believers worldwide.

Marriage, Family, and Public Life

On February 2, 1991, Anita married Chris Oyakhilome. Together, they became one of the most visible pastoral couples in Africa’s Pentecostal landscape. If you were part of Christ Embassy in the late ’90s and early 2000s, you’d have seen her preaching at international conferences, mentoring leaders, and engaging with congregations across continents.

Their marriage produced two daughters:

• Carissa Sharon Oyakhilome (CSO) – Born around August 11, 1993, Sharon grew into a talented gospel singer in the LoveWorld Music & Arts Ministry. In October 2018, she married Ghanaian entrepreneur Phillip Frimpong in a highly publicized wedding.

• Charlene Oyakhilome – The younger daughter, who has chosen a quieter, more private life away from the spotlight.

The Oyakhilome family was, for years, a strong symbol of unity in ministry.

The Divorce – A Turning Point in Her Story

In April 2014, news broke that Anita had filed for divorce in the UK, citing “unreasonable behavior” on the part of Chris Oyakhilome. For a church community accustomed to seeing them as spiritual role models, it was a shock.

The divorce was finalized on February 8, 2016, and it came with another major change—Anita officially stepped down from all her roles within Christ Embassy and was no longer affiliated with the ministry.

This chapter of her life was both painful and liberating. While she faced public scrutiny, speculation, and rumors (including unfounded talk of remarriage when she began using “Anita Ebhodaghe Schafer”), Anita also began to rebuild her identity—this time on her own terms.

Life After Christ Embassy – Healing, Counseling, and a New Calling

After the divorce, Anita moved to the United Kingdom, focusing on a quieter but deeply impactful career in counseling and therapy. She trained and worked as an integrated life solutions therapist, offering guidance to individuals dealing with:

• Stress and burnout

• Abuse and trauma recovery

• Grief and loss

• Anxiety and depression

• Low self-esteem and loneliness

Her work was not about preaching from the pulpit anymore; it was about sitting with people in their pain, offering practical tools for healing, and inspiring them to reclaim their lives.

And she didn’t stop writing. Anita released:

• Thrive: Poems to Inspire and Empower You

• Prayer and Healing Journal

• 100 Ways to Cherish Yourself and Get Back on Your Feet (e-book)

Through her counseling and publications, she has built a second chapter of influence—away from the noise of mega-ministry politics but still touching lives.

Net Worth – How Much Is Anita Ebhodaghe Worth?

When it comes to Anita’s net worth, figures vary wildly. Some sources estimate $5 million to $10 million, largely attributed to her years of ministry work, book sales, and current professional practice.

Others speculate that, during her marriage, the combined net worth with Chris Oyakhilome may have been in the tens of millions (Chris himself is often cited as being worth over $50 million).

Here’s the truth: Anita has always lived comfortably, but she has shifted her focus from building financial wealth to building emotional and spiritual well-being—both for herself and for the people she works with.

Career Achievements – A Legacy That Spans Two Worlds

Let’s break down Anita’s achievements into her two major life phases:

1. Ministry Era Achievements

• Pioneering Christ Embassy’s UK Growth: Under her leadership, the ministry expanded in the United Kingdom, establishing branches that continue to thrive today.

• Governance and Leadership: As Vice President and Central Executive Council member, she helped shape the administrative and strategic direction of the church.

• Content Creation: Co-authored Rhapsody of Realities, one of the most widely distributed devotionals globally.

• Authorship: Wrote several Christian books that inspired both lay members and church leaders.

2. Post-Ministry Achievements

• Professional Counseling: Became an integrated life solutions therapist, guiding individuals through life’s toughest challenges.

• Inspirational Author: Published works aimed at self-discovery, emotional healing, and personal empowerment.

• Mentorship: Continues to influence through small-group sessions, workshops, and one-on-one counseling.

Why Anita Ebhodaghe’s Story Matters

Anita’s story isn’t just “former pastor’s wife starts over.” It’s a masterclass in resilience. She walked away from one of the most prominent positions in African Pentecostalism, endured public judgment, and still chose to keep serving people—just in a different way.

For women navigating big life changes, her example says:

• You can step away from what no longer serves you.

• You can reinvent yourself at any age.

• You can find purpose outside of the titles and roles people assign you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is Anita Ebhodaghe?
She’s a Nigerian-born author, counselor, and former Vice President of Christ Embassy (Believers’ LoveWorld).

2. Is Anita still a pastor?
No. She stepped down from ministry work after her 2016 divorce from Chris Oyakhilome.

3. Where does Anita live now?
She lives in the United Kingdom, where she runs her counseling practice.

4. What books has she written?
Notable works include Don’t Pack Your Bags Yet, Confession for Living, Handbook for Successful Living, Unending Springs of Joy, Thrive, and Prayer and Healing Journal.

5. What is her estimated net worth?
Estimates vary, but most credible sources place it between $5 million and $10 million.

Final Thoughts

Anita Ebhodaghe’s biography is the story of a woman who embraced leadership early, rose to global ministry prominence, faced personal upheaval, and chose to rebuild—not in the glare of stage lights, but in the quiet, transformative space of counseling and writing.

Whether you know her from her Christ Embassy days or are just discovering her through her books and therapy work, one thing is clear: Anita’s legacy is one of faith, courage, and the power to start over.