Accra: Leader of International God's Way Church, Bishop Daniel Obinim, has reacted to reports that his estranged wife, gospel musician Florence Obinim, does not intend to demand any property or financial benefits from him if their marriage is officially dissolved.
According to Ghana Web, the preacher's reaction follows a report by a Ghanaian blogger identified as GHPage, which claimed that Florence told the blogger she would not ask Bishop Obinim for anything should their marriage come to an end. Speaking to his congregation, Bishop Obinim appeared surprised by the reported comment and questioned why Florence would suggest that she had not received significant support and benefits from him throughout their marriage.
The preacher stated that he gave Florence a four-storey property which has since been converted into a hostel. He claimed the facility currently generates about GHS40,000 in monthly income for the gospel musician. 'Rashad of GHPage said that when he interacted with Florence Obinim, she said she did not need anything after the divorce. But you know I have given you a four-storey building. It is a hostel, and you earn GHS40,000 every month from it,' Bishop Obinim said.
He further disclosed that he supported Florence financially during their marriage by giving her a monthly allowance of GHS20,000 for her personal upkeep. Bishop Obinim also claimed that he covered the cost of business-class air travel whenever Florence travelled outside Ghana, saying he wanted her to have a comfortable journey.
The pastor expressed disappointment over the reported comments as they could give the public the impression that he had not taken care of his estranged wife during their years together. 'You are talking as though you do not need anything and I do not cater for you or give you anything. While we were married, I gave you GHS20,000 every month. When you travelled outside the country, I booked business-class flights for you,' he added.
The development comes amid reports that the gospel musician has taken steps towards ending her long-standing marriage to Bishop Obinim. The gospel musician is reported to have initiated a traditional divorce process after more than two decades of marriage by returning the drinks to Bishop Obinim's family. In Ghanaian customary practice, the return of marriage drinks is a significant step that can symbolise a woman's decision to seek the dissolution of a traditional marriage.