A Nigerian man has called off his church wedding after the bride's congregation presented him with a detailed list of items and cash required before they would conduct the ceremony. The list, shared on Facebook on August 5, 2026, by the groom's friend Ngoke Victor Dede, has sparked widespread reactions online.
Church Demand List: From Goats to Generator Fuel
The document, labelled a "Church Demand List," outlined requirements across food, transport, cash, and clothing. Under food, the church asked for a cooler of rice, 24 crates of minerals, and N30,000 for the church band. Ten ministers were each to receive packaged food, two crates of minerals, and N10,000. Musicians were to get two crates of minerals and N5,000 each, with a warning that music and sound systems would not operate unless these items were provided before the ceremony.
Additional demands included 50 litres of fuel for the generator, a vehicle for the General Overseer's transportation, one live goat, two bags of rice for the pastor and his wife, N50,000 for a church marriage certificate, a suit for the General Overseer, and a gown for his wife.
Groom's Decision and Online Reactions
Dede confirmed that his friend decided to cancel the church wedding entirely after reviewing the requirements. In his Facebook post, Dede questioned whether the church was practising Christianity or capitalism, describing the list as looking "more like a supermarket list than a wedding blessing."
The post drew swift reactions from Nigerians. @Promise Miracle expressed disbelief, saying, "Na lie I no believe, a Church cannot give this kind of list. I dare you to mention the denomination." @Sunday Loveth listed additional items sarcastically, including solar lights, cars for the General Overseer and his wife, school fees, monthly allowances, and vacations in Dubai. @Uchechukwu Osuagwu offered a counter-proposal, saying, "Having gone through the list, I will provide 20 packs of jollof rice, 2 cartons of malt and 5 Litres of petrol or diesel. That's all."
Related Incidents and Impact
This incident is not isolated. Legit.ng previously reported a pastor abandoning a couple on their wedding day, citing the groom's immigration status as the reason, alleging the marriage was for Canadian papers. In another related story, a church expelled a bride for refusing to sleep with her husband after the wedding.
The cancellation highlights growing concerns over financial demands by some churches during weddings. The groom's decision to cancel rather than meet the demands has resonated with many Nigerians, sparking debates about the role of churches in wedding ceremonies and the extent of their financial expectations.
