Legal Expert Raises Alarm Over Pastor's Marriage Plan for Autistic Daughter
A prominent Nigerian lawyer has voiced serious concerns following Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere's announcement that he plans to marry off his adopted daughter who lives with autism. This development comes just weeks after the controversial wedding of the Omega Power Ministries (OPM) founder's non-verbal autistic adopted son, sparking renewed debate about the rights and welfare of individuals with developmental conditions.
Pastor's Public Search for Husband
Apostle Chibuzor, founder of Omega Power Ministries, publicly announced on social media that he is actively seeking a husband for his 21-year-old adopted daughter, Chiemeka Chibuzor, who has autism. In his Facebook post, the pastor stated that unlike his adopted son Aboy who was recently married, Chiemeka can speak and hear well but cannot continue living in his house as she is "ripe for marriage."
The pastor's announcement included offers to pay the bride price and sponsor the wedding ceremony, continuing a pattern that began with his autistic adopted son's marriage weeks earlier.
Legal Professional's Strong Opposition
Barr Wendy Cynthia Okosa, a Nigerian legal practitioner, took to Facebook to express what she described as "deeply troubling" concerns about the situation. In her detailed response, she emphasized that the matter should not be taken lightly or treated as a joking matter.
"What these individuals truly need is proper care, support, and protection, not marriage," Okosa wrote in her social media post. "Turning their condition into a basis for marriage raises serious concerns and just doesn't sit right."
The lawyer further expressed difficulty understanding how such arrangements could be encouraged, stating that the situation "feels wrong on so many levels" and concluding with a plea for divine intervention.
Mixed Public Reactions Emerge
The pastor's announcement has triggered diverse reactions across social media platforms, with netizens expressing conflicting viewpoints on the matter.
Some commenters defended the pastor's actions, with Delaw Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu arguing: "If an autistic person can give birth to a normal person, then there is nothing wrong with what he's doing." Similarly, Sylvia Oluebube Umeh maintained that "there is nothing wrong with an autistic person getting married, they deserve love, marriage, children, and every good thing a normal person enjoys."
However, other voices expressed concern, with Nurse Chioma Lynda Igboji stating: "Very unsettling honestly, people that should be sent to special care homes, he is paying for them to be married off." The debate has raised fundamental questions about autonomy, consent, and appropriate support for individuals with autism spectrum conditions.
Broader Context and Conditions
This controversy follows Apostle Chibuzor's earlier announcement that he would sponsor weddings for couples living together, even those with children, provided they meet specific conditions. The pastor's pattern of offering financial incentives for marriage arrangements has now extended to his adopted children with autism, creating what critics describe as a concerning precedent.
The situation highlights ongoing discussions about the rights of individuals with disabilities in Nigeria, particularly regarding marriage, autonomy, and appropriate care. Legal experts and disability rights advocates continue to monitor developments, emphasizing the need for policies that prioritize the wellbeing and rights of vulnerable populations.
