By A Nigerian bride-to-be, Patience Addra, has publicly addressed the sudden cancellation of her wedding, which was called off just a day before the planned ceremony, sparking a wave of mixed reactions across social media.
According to a digital wedding invitation obtained by IREPORTER Online, the nuptials were scheduled for Saturday, 5 April, in Anguldi, Zawan Jos.
However, to the shock of many, the wedding was called off the previous Friday.
Taking to social media on what should have been her special day, Patience posted a cryptic but emotionally charged message: “Online family (in-laws), well done. If you follow the social media saga, you might as well die before your time.”
The post prompted a flurry of reactions, with many friends and followers urging her to step away from social media for her mental and emotional health.
The couple, reportedly together for three years, had faced growing tension in the days leading up to the wedding.
While early speculation suggested that religious differences—particularly the groom’s affiliation with the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN)—were to blame, further details provided by Jos-based writer Paul Kums offered deeper insight.
Kums shared the bride’s account, revealing that the groom’s mother ultimately cancelled the wedding after Patience, a devout Catholic, stated her intention to continue practising her faith after marriage.
The issue reportedly came to a head during the couple’s final counselling session with their church reverend, where they were asked to clarify plans for future church attendance.
Patience affirmed her desire to remain Catholic, while her fiancé insisted they both attend his COCIN congregation.
According to Kums, the groom admitted that his mother had made it clear: if the bride would not switch to his church, the wedding would not go ahead.
Frustrated, Patience reportedly responded, “If your mother is going to make all the decisions for you, then perhaps we should call off the wedding.”
Her reaction took the groom by surprise, and after he relayed the conversation to his mother, she angrily declared: “If that’s how she feels, then the wedding is off!”
As the wedding day approached, it became increasingly apparent to Patience that her would-be mother-in-law was not bluffing.
In a desperate attempt to save the union, she pleaded with her fiancé, offering to attend his church and seeking a middle ground. However, the groom’s mother remained resolute.
Compounding her distress was the fragile health of her own mother, whom Patience feared would be deeply affected by the emotional fallout of a cancelled wedding.
Despite her repeated appeals to the groom, the influence of his mother proved too strong.
The story quickly gained traction online, prompting a flood of reactions. While many empathised with Patience’s ordeal, others criticised her for airing the matter so publicly.
Christfurtune Timmy Kayathbachet commented, “Who told you that women have denominations? This is a sad reality.”
Mercy Faruk Taldang sought to uplift her: “You’ll be fine, dear. God will see you through.”
Meanwhile, JockNom John Sani advised caution: “For your own sanity, it would be best to take a break from this space… focus on healing rather than engaging with critics. It might be beneficial to clear the air later to protect your reputation.”
The incident has reignited wider debates on religious compatibility, familial control in marriages, and the cultural expectations placed on brides in Nigeria.
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