Nollywood actor Damola Olatunji has publicly criticised Apostle Chibuzor over plans to marry off his 21-year-old adopted daughter, who lives with autism. Olatunji raised concerns on social media about the ethical implications of the proposed marriage, stressing that the woman may not be able to give informed consent due to her condition. He questioned the pastor's intentions, calling the plan inappropriate and potentially exploitative.
Olatunji urged Apostle Chibuzor to establish a care home for people with special needs instead of pursuing marriage for his adopted daughter. He stated that marriage requires full and informed consent from both parties, which may not be possible in this case. "This situation has crossed a line and must be addressed seriously," Olatunji said. He emphasized that individuals with autism deserve dignity, protection, and structured support systems.
The actor advocated for better care frameworks for people with special needs in Nigeria, warning against decisions that could be manipulative or harmful. He maintained that vulnerable individuals should not be placed in situations where their autonomy cannot be fully exercised.
Damola Olatunji's public challenge to Apostle Chibuzor exposes a deeply uncomfortable intersection of religion, guardianship, and consent involving a vulnerable adult. The core issue is not merely about one marriage plan but about who gets to decide the fate of a woman who cannot advocate for herself.
Apostle Chibuzor, as legal guardian, holds immense power over his adopted daughter's life, and his decision to arrange her marriage raises urgent questions about oversight in such cases. Olatunji's insistence on informed consent cuts to the heart of a broader societal failure—Nigeria lacks legal and institutional safeguards for adults with cognitive disabilities, leaving them exposed to well-meaning but potentially harmful interventions. The absence of formal support systems often pushes families and guardians toward unregulated solutions.
For thousands of Nigerian families caring for autistic relatives, this moment underscores the daily reality of navigating life without state-backed care infrastructure. Without accessible special needs policies, many rely on personal networks or religious figures, increasing the risk of exploitation.
This case fits a recurring pattern where religious authority is used to legitimise decisions that would face legal scrutiny in other contexts. When faith overrides legal and medical considerations in guardianship matters, the rights of the most vulnerable are often the first to erode.
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