Church Expels Bride Over Refusal To Consummate Marriage
Church Expels Bride Over Refusal To Consummate Marriage
A controversy has surrounded Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide after a newly married woman, Oyiza, was expelled from the church following allegations that she refused to consummate her marriage.
The Abuja based ministry announced the decision after several counselling efforts failed to resolve the dispute between the bride and her husband, Isaac. The couple lived in Ibadan, where their marriage reportedly fell into crisis shortly after their wedding on September 6, 2025.
Before the ceremony, the pair completed traditional rites in Okene and later held a court wedding in Oyo State. Family members believed the relationship was stable at the time. However, tension surfaced soon after the marriage when the bride allegedly insisted she did not love her husband and accused her mother of forcing her into the union.
Efforts by relatives and church leaders to reconcile both parties continued for months without success. The dispute reportedly lasted about five months.
In a video released in February, the church’s international director, Pastor Paul Rika, publicly announced her expulsion. During the address, he described her actions as disgraceful to the congregation and declared that she had been excommunicated.
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He also alleged spiritual influence behind her refusal to engage in marital intimacy and urged members to pray against what he described as negative forces affecting her life. The cleric referenced older cultural expectations that encouraged brides to remain committed to marriage despite emotional struggles. Isaac said his wife initially agreed to the marriage after counselling sessions conducted by the church’s marriage committee. However, months before the wedding, she began expressing doubts and said she had lost emotional attachment.
The husband explained that the situation worsened almost immediately after the ceremony. He alleged that she repeatedly resisted intimacy and sometimes accused him of attempted rape whenever he tried to initiate closeness.
He also described ongoing domestic disagreements, including strict demands about bathing routines and household responsibilities. The experience, he said, became emotionally exhausting despite his efforts to remain patient and show affection.
Oyiza has not publicly responded to the allegations, and attempts to reach her were unsuccessful.
Mental health professionals have urged caution in interpreting the situation. They noted that psychological trauma, fear of intimacy, medical conditions, or pressure from forced marriage could influence such behaviour. Experts added that emotional connection and consent remain essential foundations for healthy marital intimacy.
Content Credit: Boluwatife Abiola
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