Nigerian Church Excommunicates New Bride for Refusing Marital Intimacy
A newly married woman, identified as Oyiza, has been expelled from the Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide church in Abuja after allegedly refusing to consummate her marriage with her husband, Isaac. The expulsion was announced by Pastor Paul Rika following five months of failed mediation efforts, as reported in a video posted on the church's YouTube channel in February 2026.
Pastor Accuses Bride of Demonic Possession
Pastor Rika described Oyiza as a "demon" and accused her of spiritism, declaring that she must be punished for her actions. He stated, "We have delivered her to Satan. We have expelled and excommunicated her. You want to bring shame, what do you mean that you don’t love Isaac?" The pastor referenced cultural practices from earlier times where newlywed brides were compelled to go to their husbands' homes, emphasizing traditional expectations.
According to Pastor Rika, his wife had a revelation that Oyiza was "a marine girl who is married to a marine demon and they have children together." He explained further, "This demon is a harsh type, highly jealous type that will never allow her marry another, and the covenant with the demon is that the day you allow a man enter into you, you will die, or that man will die."
Husband Shares Distress Over Rejection
Isaac, the husband, shared his ordeal, revealing that after their marriage on September 6, 2025, Oyiza resisted his attempts at intimacy. He said, "After the marriage, in the hotel where we lodged, I touched her, but she said we should wait for a brief period of time. I asked for her reasons; she did not give me any cogent reason. She had also said she did not like s@x all the time. I was also a v1rgin and was not involved in such things. I agreed we won’t make love in the hotel. So, we said when we get to Ibadan."
The couple had completed their traditional rites in Okene, Kogi State, and a court wedding in Ibadan, Oyo State, before the issues arose. Oyiza reportedly insisted that she did not love her husband, leading to the church's intervention and subsequent expulsion.
Broader Implications and Church Stance
This incident highlights tensions between religious doctrines, cultural norms, and personal autonomy in marital relationships. The church's decision to excommunicate Oyiza underscores its strict adherence to traditional values, while raising questions about the handling of such disputes within religious communities.
The case has sparked discussions on social media and among observers, with many expressing concern over the pastor's accusations and the impact on the individuals involved. It serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between faith, marriage, and individual rights in contemporary Nigerian society.
