Pastor marries off autistic man to older woman amid controversy

Pastor Chibuzor Chinyere, founder of Omega Power Ministries, officiated the marriage of Aboy Chibuzor, a young autistic man, to an older single woman on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the church, sparking public debate.

Aboy, who is non-verbal and requires daily care, was reportedly abandoned at the church as a child and has been under Chinyere’s guardianship. The pastor announced financial support for the couple, including a ₦10 million wedding gift, a house, an overseas vacation, and a promise of ₦20 million after 10 years if Aboy remains alive.

The wedding arrangement faced widespread criticism, with many describing it as inappropriate and demeaning to women. Chinyere responded by apologizing, emphasizing that he “can never degrade any woman.”

In a Facebook update, Chinyere shared that Aboy has shown signs of progress, including feeding himself without assistance, and expressed hope that he will begin to speak within six months.

Chinyere wrote, “Aboy, Chibuzor, finally marries today, 29 March 2026. A single woman of God. 10 million Naira wedding gift. Free house. Overseas vacation. And 20 million Naira after 10 years if Aboy is still alive. And many more gift loading…. A member of the OPM church also donated 1 million Naira, and another donated 200k. And a miracle has already started as Aboy is now feeding himself without someone feeding him. And I believe before 6 months, God will heal, and he will begin to speak. There is nothing God CAN not do.”

The ceremony has continued to spark debate on social media, raising questions about autonomy, consent, and the ethics of arranging marriages for individuals with disabilities.