Assemblies of God Church – In a stunning turn of events, a Nigerian couple, Michael and Rebecca Obinna, whose wedding was unexpectedly called off by the Assemblies of God Church in Okpu 2, Aba, have successfully tied the knot in another church—on the same day.
The couple’s original wedding ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 2025, was cancelled just hours before it was set to begin. According to the bride, Rebecca, despite months of planning and fulfilling numerous requirements from the church, they were met with repeated delays, unexpected conditions, and escalating demands from the church leadership.
Unusual Requirements and Repeated Hurdles
Rebecca, a devout Catholic, explained that her fiancé, Michael, who was a new convert to the Assemblies of God Church, had worked tirelessly to meet the church’s expectations. These included attending baptismal classes, undergoing counseling, and providing required documentation.
However, as the wedding day approached, the couple was presented with increasingly unconventional demands. Among them:
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Spending three nights in the church’s pastorage before the ceremony
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Bringing specific items such as garri, coconut, sugar, and milk for pre-wedding rituals
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Taking a pregnancy test, despite already having submitted one
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Adhering to strict rules regarding attire and makeup
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Providing food items including a quarter bag of rice and a live chicken for the pastor and his wife
According to the bride, most of these requirements were only revealed at the last minute, creating enormous stress for both families.
Wedding Day Shock
On the morning of April 20, a combination of heavy rainfall, a delayed bridal gown, and overwhelming anxiety led to the bride arriving late. Upon her arrival, church leaders abruptly announced that the wedding had been cancelled due to her failure to sleep in the church for three consecutive nights—a stipulation the couple claims was never formally agreed upon.
Despite appeals and pleas from family members, church officials refused to reverse their decision. Eyewitnesses report that the couple’s wedding banner was even removed from church grounds in a final act of disapproval.
A Triumphant Turnaround
Unwilling to let the day end in disappointment, the determined couple quickly made arrangements with another church nearby. There, they were welcomed warmly and were joined in holy matrimony that same day.
“To the glory of God, we were finally joined in holy matrimony,” Rebecca shared. “It wasn’t easy, but love won in the end.”
Reactions and Wider Conversations
The incident has ignited widespread debate on social media and in local communities, raising questions about church policies, pastoral authority, and the pressures some religious institutions place on couples preparing for marriage.
While the Assemblies of God Church has not yet issued a public statement, many online have voiced support for the couple, commending their resilience and condemning the undue hurdles placed before them.