The Rivers State Government has officially invited the founder of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Chibuzor Chinyere, to address the controversy surrounding his plan to arrange a marriage for his 21-year-old adopted daughter, who is autistic. The matter was raised during a stakeholders' meeting held in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, April 21, where the government also reminded orphanage operators and faith-based childcare homes to properly register and adhere to child protection regulations.
Government Intervention After Viral Backlash
Lauretta Dimpka, Permanent Secretary of the state's Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, confirmed that the government stepped in after the issue gained widespread attention on social media. She noted that while the cleric's intentions may not have been harmful, the arrangement raised serious legal concerns. According to her, it does not align with existing laws protecting children and persons with disabilities.
“As a faith-based organisation, the interventions appeared well-meaning but fell short of compliance with the law,” she said, as disclosed by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). She explained that laws such as the Child Rights Act, the Persons with Disabilities Act, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act provide strict protections for minors and vulnerable individuals, and must be respected.
Commendation for Compliance
Dimpka commended Chinyere for attending the meeting and showing readiness to comply with government regulations. She emphasized that all orphanages and child care centres in the state must be officially registered and approved by the ministry. “The engagement is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen child protection systems and ensure the dignity and welfare of children and persons with disabilities,” she added.
Chinyere Acknowledges Gaps
In his response, Chinyere admitted there had been gaps in compliance, stating that he was not fully aware of some regulatory requirements. He described the meeting as revealing and promised to make necessary corrections. “This meeting is an eye-opener. I have been doing things without knowing that they were wrong. Now I understand better,” he said.
OPM Suspends Controversial Wedding Plans
In a related development, Omega Power Ministries suspended the planned marriage involving Chibuzor's 21-year-old autistic daughter following widespread public backlash and heated debates on social media. The church had earlier announced the proposal, which attracted over 1,000 interested applicants after promises of financial support and housing. However, the arrangement drew criticism over concerns about consent and the ethics of the proposal.
Clarification on Autistic Son's Age
In another related development, the OPM founder clarified the real age of his adopted autistic son, Aboy, weeks after the controversial wedding caused public debate. The cleric explained that Aboy was abandoned as a child without any identification records, making his exact age unknown. He said the decision to consider him an adult was based on his physical growth and behavioural development over the years.
