OPM Pastor Breaks Silence on Cancelled Marriage Plan for Autistic Daughter
Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, the founder of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), has publicly addressed his controversial decision to cancel marriage plans for his autistic daughter, Chiemeka Chibuzor. The pastor explained that he received over 1,000 applications from men interested in marrying his 21-year-old adopted daughter, but widespread public criticism led him to suspend the initiative entirely.
Overwhelming Response and Public Backlash Force Cancellation
During an exclusive interview with BBC News Pidgin, Apostle Chibuzor revealed the staggering number of marriage proposals that flooded in after he announced his intention to marry off his autistic children. "More than 1,000 men came forward saying they wanted to marry her," the pastor stated. "But many people raised concerns, saying, 'Ah, you shouldn't give her out for marriage,' and things like that. The talk became too much. So, for now, I have decided to cancel the marriage."
The OPM founder had initially made headlines when he offered his autistic children, Aboy and Chiemeka Chibuzor, for marriage with specific conditions attached. This announcement sparked intense debate across social media platforms and drew attention from authorities, including the Rivers State government, which reportedly invited the pastor for discussions regarding the matter.
Original Motive Behind Marriage Plans Explained
When questioned about his original motivation for seeking marriages for his autistic children, Apostle Chibuzor provided candid insight into his thought process. Regarding his son Aboy, the pastor expressed concerns about sexual behavior and potential risks to other children in their care environment.
"The motive for Aboy was the fear of his sexual urge," Apostle Chibuzor explained. "I had been noticing the sexual behaviour of Aboy Chibuzor, and I had feared that a period might come when Aboy would 'force himself on the other children.' To prevent this, I said okay, if he marries now, that will make him stable. So I decided to announce it in the church."
The pastor emphasized that he never regretted his initial decision, believing marriage would provide stability and proper care for his children with special needs.
New Care Plan Replaces Marriage Initiative
With the marriage plans now permanently suspended, Apostle Chibuzor has outlined an alternative approach to caring for his autistic children. "Future marriage plans for my autistic children suspended permanently," he declared. "Special doctors shall be employed for them."
This shift represents a significant change in strategy, moving from seeking marital partners to hiring professional medical specialists who can provide appropriate care and support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The pastor's announcement suggests recognition of the complex needs associated with autism and the importance of specialized intervention.
Public Reaction and Official Scrutiny
The controversy surrounding the marriage plans generated substantial public discussion, with netizens expressing mixed reactions to both the original announcement and subsequent cancellation. Comments ranged from confusion about the pastor's changing decisions to concerns about consent and the welfare of individuals with disabilities.
Simultaneously, official attention focused on the matter, with the Rivers State government reportedly engaging with Apostle Chibuzor to discuss the marriage plans within existing legal frameworks. The government's involvement highlights the broader societal implications of such decisions involving vulnerable populations.
The entire episode has sparked important conversations about:
- The rights and protection of individuals with disabilities
- Appropriate care approaches for autistic adults
- Religious leaders' responsibilities in family matters
- Public scrutiny of personal family decisions
Apostle Chibuzor's transparency about his motivations and willingness to adjust his plans based on public feedback demonstrates the evolving nature of this sensitive situation. As the OPM pastor implements his new care strategy with professional medical support, the focus shifts to ensuring the wellbeing and proper development of his autistic children through evidence-based approaches rather than marital arrangements.
