Pastor Peace Ibiyeomie, wife of Salvation Ministries founder David Ibiyeomie, has stirred reactions online after advising married women not to keep divorced women as close friends unless they are willing to encourage reconciliation or remarriage.
Speaking during a church programme, the cleric said married women should be careful about the kind of friendships they maintain, particularly with women who are divorced and allegedly bitter about marriage.
According to her, divorced women should instead be encouraged to reconcile with their former spouses where possible or move on and remarry rather than remain in bitterness.
Pastor Ibiyeomie argued that negative experiences from failed marriages can sometimes influence the opinions and attitudes of others toward marriage and relationships if not properly managed.
Her comments have since generated widespread debate across social media platforms, with supporters defending her remarks as marriage counseling based on personal beliefs and critics accusing her of stigmatizing divorced women.
Some commentators argued that friendship should not be determined by marital status, while others insisted that people recovering from divorce also need emotional support, understanding, and acceptance rather than social isolation.
Others, however, agreed with the cleric’s emphasis on surrounding oneself with people who promote healthy homes and stable marriages.
The comments add to ongoing public conversations in Nigeria surrounding marriage, divorce, religion, and societal expectations placed on women within relationships.
As reactions continue online, the statement has once again highlighted the sensitivity of discussions around divorce and family life within religious and cultural spaces in Nigeria.
Post a Comment