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The controversy generated by the marriage of the second son of the General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, John Kumuyi, to his heartthrob, former Miss Love Odih, has taken a new dimension.
John and Love had tied the nuptial knot on June 15 in Jamaica, but the ceremony had been a subject of debate on social media over how the bride was dressed, in comparison to other weddings held in the church. The church’s belief does not entertain flamboyance in such celebration.
In the wedding pictures that circulated widely on blogs, online forums, discussion groups and other social networks, the bride, who happens to be the daughter of the National Overseer of DLBC in Jamaica, was seen putting on a wedding gown, ear rings, holding a bouquet and applied make-up — all of which are alien to the church’s doctrine.
However, the couple tendered a letter of apology to the church, saying they have “realised the effects of our actions and omission’’; adding that they may have been distracted by cultural differences, as both of them had lived overseas for many years.
The letter was read to the congregation on Saturday during the church’s mid-year celebration programme held at the Deeper Life Conference Centre, Lagos-Ibadan Expresway and broadcast live to branches all over Nigeria and some parts of Africa via satellite.
The letter, which was read on behalf of the couple at about 8pm on Saturday, read in part, “John and Love Kumuyi write to express our deepest and most sincere apology for the turn of events, that have resulted on our traditional and wedding ceremonies, that took place in Jamaica on 13th June and 15th June, 2013 respectively.
“We unreservedly and wholeheartedly state that we did not intend that our acts or omissions will, in any way, undermine the great works that God has done through the Deeper Christian Life Ministry worldwide and more specifically, through our Father in the Lord, the General Superintendent.
“We also use this medium to profusely and sincerely apologise to the General Superintendent for the embarrassment and heartaches, our actions have caused him, more so that he has earlier declined to be at the events.
“This, notwithstanding, we fully accept that having been nurtured, taught and brought up with the sound teaching of the word of God, we should have been able to draw the line, which we failed to do.
“We have now realised the effects of our actions and omission and do plead with the church for forgiveness and also appealing that any action that should be taken be directed at John and Love, as we take this time to prayerfully reflect on our actions. We take full responsibility for what happened, and this action should, in no way, be blamed on the GS, or the leaders of the church in Nigeria, United States, Jamaica or United Kingdom and beyond.”
The apology has attracted cheers and jeers on social media from Nigerians, including many who claimed to be members of the church.
The first set argues that John and Love owe no one an explanation because they had done nothing wrong. Commenting on nairaland.com, a contributor with the name Soloter says, “My dear brother and sister (John and Love), I am also a member of the church (a coordinator) but I say, if not for the sake of pleasing those who felt offended, there is no point apologising. You owe no man any apology.
“God is not angry with you for marrying a woman. You didn’t marry a man. Hear Apostle Paul on a similar case; ‘Let no man trouble me, I bear the marks of Christ not men”. There was no problem with sister Love’s dressing before God and men. The devil only pushed outsiders to make unnecessary hullabaloo, which was supported by a microscopic envious fault-finding brethren in the church. May God forgive them all for making my brethren (John & Love) to feel guilty for no cause.’’
Another commentator on the forum who claims to be a member of the church with the name Dpresideo says, “Personally and to the best of my opinion, they have nothing to apologise for. The reason is that they have not sinned in any way and I don’t see why they should be castigated or disciplined, as this would only aggravate the level of hypocrisy in the church! I shall continue to follow the General Superintendent’s (Kumuyi’s) doctrine of holiness and not human principles and personal ‘puritanism’ which does not take you to the gate of heaven, except holiness.’’
On the other hand, those who believe that the couple owe the generality of members of the church an apology argue that they (John and Love) were well grounded in the doctrines of the church, but willingly chose to be rebellious.
One of them who called himself Ubong writes, “Not accepted! Why did they use it in the first place? What happened to their sense of morality then? Medicine after death!’’
One Anniettie ufia notes, ‘’Children of nowadays, You want to tell me that in that church they don’t have marriage committee and counselling team? Was there no inspection of the so-called wedding gown before that day? I perceived they warned them, but they wouldn’t listen, after all, na my papa get church wetin concern you? That apology is too late. Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.’’
But an anonymous reader on a blog, kemifilani.com appears to have a different opinion. She says, “The only apology that should be acceptable to members is to make wedding gown legal in Deeper Life, now that the GS’s daughter-in-law has set the pace. Let Deeper Life brides look good on their wedding days just like Pastor William Kumuyi’s daughter-in-law does. Anything short of that amounts to repression, double standard and hypocrisy.’’
Also, a Facebook user, Arowolo Anuoluwapo, argues, ‘’In my opinion, that apology was not necessary. The church should be the one to apologise for conducting a wedding they would not allow for ordinary members. The apology doesn’t solve issues. Traditions need to be reviewed if progress is to be made, or else the future remains bleak.’’
