A wedding scheduled to take place at the Assemblies of God Church, Okpu 2, in Aba, Abia State, was unexpectedly cancelled on April 20, 2025, following a disagreement between the couple and church leadership over a longstanding church policy.
The incident has since attracted attention within the community and on social media.
The couple, Michael and Rebecca Obinna, had been preparing for their big day for months and had reportedly fulfilled most of the requirements set by the church. However, a point of contention arose when the bride declined to spend the night before the wedding at the pastor’s residence, a requirement tied to the church’s customary pre-wedding procedures.
According to church members familiar with the tradition, this practice is intended to facilitate a final pregnancy test, ensuring adherence to the church’s moral expectations prior to matrimony. The bride’s refusal to participate in this step led to a last-minute decision by the church leadership to cancel the ceremony.
The groom, Michael, who was a relatively new member of the Assemblies of God congregation, had reportedly gone through baptismal and marriage counseling classes as advised by church authorities.
The couple was then asked to meet various material and procedural demands including sleeping in the church for three days before the wedding, bringing specific items, submitting to a surprise pregnancy test and following strict rules on makeup, attire, and contributions, which according to them, was not disclosed at the onset.
The couple eventually arrived at the church premises on the wedding day only to be informed that the ceremony would no longer proceed due to non-compliance with the parsonage policy.
The couple quickly made alternative arrangements and were subsequently joined in matrimony at a different church nearby later the same day.
The incident has since generated discussion, with many questioning the rigidity of certain religious traditions and the potential emotional impact on worshippers. Others have defended the church’s position, citing the importance of upholding doctrinal standards.
The incident has stirred mixed reactions among members of the public, particularly online. While some have pointed out that the couple had willingly entered into the church’s process and should have followed through with all its requirements, others view the situation as a case of institutional overreach.
