Social media platforms were awash with heated reactions on Sunday after pictures of a same-sex wedding began circulating on Facebook, showing two men — one of whom is Nigerian — dressed in traditional Igbo attire.
The images, which quickly went viral and sparked widespread debate and criticism among Nigerian netizens, featured Innocent Ndubuisi Okechukwu, a Nigerian composer and pianist, and his partner, identified as Greg, a Caucasian American.
The wedding reportedly took place at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Downers Grove, Illinois, United States.
Amid the backlash and speculation that followed the circulation of the pictures on Facebook, a clarification was issued to address what was described as misinformation surrounding the event.
According to the clarification, Okechukwu is a trained musician with a strong academic background in music.
He began his early education at a Catholic minor seminary, where he sang and played musical instruments, but did not proceed to a major seminary, contrary to claims circulating online.
His partner, Greg, was described as a chorister and lector in the Episcopal Church.
The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Gregg Morris, the rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
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It was further explained that the Episcopal Church is part of the global Anglican Communion, a worldwide fellowship of churches that recognizes the Archbishop of Canterbury as a symbol of unity.
The denomination permits its clergy to officiate same-sex marriages and has formally authorized religious wedding ceremonies for gay couples.
While same-sex unions remain illegal in Nigeria, the use of Igbo traditional attire at the ceremony drew sharp reactions from many Nigerians online, with critics questioning the cultural and moral implications, while others called for tolerance and respect for personal choices.
As of the time of filing this report, the images continue to trend on social media, reigniting conversations around culture, religion, and differing legal frameworks across countries.
