The Aba Central District Presbytery of the Assemblies of God Church has addressed viral social media reports claiming a wedding was canceled at its Okpu 9 branch in Aba on Sunday, April 27, 2025. In a statement issued by District Secretary Rev. Dr. Chidiogo Enyinnaya, the church provided clarity on the circumstances surrounding the failed wedding of Mr. Obioma Onyekachi, a former member, after conducting a thorough investigation.

According to the church, Mr. Onyekachi had received approval to hold his wedding at the church despite an initial disagreement over a tradition requiring the bride to stay at the parsonage the night before the ceremony. The groom objected, citing his in-laws’ preference for the bride to arrive from her home on the wedding day. After discussions, the church leadership agreed to the couple’s request.

However, on the scheduled day, neither the bride nor groom attended the morning church service. They arrived at approximately 12:15 PM, when the service was concluding and most congregants had left. Mr. Onyekachi attributed the delay to a last-minute issue with their wedding gown vendor, admitting he failed to notify the church due to the pressure of the situation.

The Presbytery emphasized that the wedding did not proceed solely due to the couple’s late arrival, not the earlier disagreement over the parsonage stay, which had been resolved. The church refuted claims linking the cancellation to this issue, as suggested by some social media posts.

Mr. Onyekachi denied initiating or authorizing the viral social media reports, attributing them to emotional reactions from friends or family. He apologized to the church leadership and pledged to correct the misinformation.

While some criticized the church for not conducting the wedding upon the couple’s late arrival, the Presbytery expressed its commitment to supporting Mr. Onyekachi moving forward, encouraging him after the challenging experience.

The Assemblies of God urged the public to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports.