A controversial marriage involving an autistic young man adopted by a prominent Nigerian cleric has sparked widespread outrage and ethical concerns across social media and advocacy circles.
The young man, identified as Aboy, was adopted by Chibuzor Gift Chinyere of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), and was reportedly married on March 29, 2026, in a ceremony officiated by the pastor himself.
The development comes just days after Pastor Chinyere publicly stated that the young man, who is autistic, struggled to control his sexual urges while living among other children in the ministry’s care facility. He had indicated plans to find a woman preferably older who would marry him, with financial incentives provided by the church, as a way to manage the situation.
Confirming the marriage in a Facebook post, the cleric announced that the bride is a single woman and outlined a series of benefits for the couple, including a ₦10 million wedding gift, a house, an overseas vacation, and a promise of ₦20 million after 10 years, alongside additional donations from church members.
He also claimed that the young man was already showing signs of improvement, including being able to feed himself without assistance, and expressed belief that he would fully recover and begin speaking within months.
However, the union has triggered intense backlash, with critics questioning the ethics and legality of the arrangement. Many have raised concerns about consent, arguing that individuals with developmental conditions such as Autism spectrum disorder may require specialized care and protection rather than being placed in marital arrangements under such circumstances.
Advocates and members of the public have also criticized the rationale behind the marriage, stressing that managing behavioral or medical challenges through such means raises serious human rights issues.
The controversy has reignited broader conversations about the treatment, protection, and rights of vulnerable individuals in institutional and religious settings, with calls growing for relevant authorities and social welfare bodies to review the situation.
