Pastor weds autistic man to older woman after public backlash

Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, founder of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), has officiated the wedding of a young autistic man, Aboy Chibuzor, to an older single woman, days after facing widespread criticism for initially seeking a wife for him through a viral video.

The wedding took place on Sunday, March 29, at the OPM headquarters. Aboy, who is non-verbal and depends on others for daily care, was reportedly abandoned as a child at the church gate and has since been raised by the pastor.

According to Apostle Chinyere, Aboy requires full-time support, including feeding, bathing and other essential activities. He said the marriage was arranged to provide companionship and stable care for the groom.

The cleric announced a series of financial and welfare packages for the couple: a ₦10 million wedding gift, a house, an overseas vacation, and an additional ₦20 million to be given after 10 years if Aboy is still alive. Some church members also donated ₦1 million and ₦200,000 respectively.

The initial public appeal for a wife had triggered intense backlash, with many Nigerians describing the move as insensitive and demeaning to women. Apostle Chinyere later apologised, insisting he never intended to degrade anyone.

In an update shared on Facebook, the pastor celebrated the wedding while expressing faith in the groom’s improvement. He claimed Aboy had begun feeding himself and expressed hope that he would start speaking within six months.

“There is nothing God cannot do,” he wrote.