“I’ll dreadlock my hair soon” — Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo defends tattoo, calls out hypocrisy
Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo has reacted strongly to the criticism trailing his tattoo, describing the backlash as misplaced outrage in the middle of more serious national issues.
Speaking in a video that has since gone viral, the cleric questioned why Nigerians were fixated on his body art while the country faces pressing political and economic concerns.
Pastor advice to worry about pressing issues instead of his tattoo
“With all the national issues going on, you people decided to make a fuss about my tattoo. Elections are in a few days, and those holding the country are already planning their agenda, yet some youths are worried about my tattoo,” he said.
Addressing religious arguments against tattoos, the pastor argued that many practices widely accepted among Christians are not fundamentally different.
“Women do microblading, which is permanent makeup. That is a tattoo. Some women do henna or lali when they get married, that is also tattooing. So what exactly is wrong with mine?” he asked.
Pastor Kingsley added that personal appearance should not be confused with spirituality, warning against imposing personal preferences as doctrine.
Pastor warns against hypocrisy
“Because you are an apostle, a bishop, or a pastor does not mean your personal preference is God’s command. Don’t impose your mindset on others. That is hypocrisy,” he stated.
He further stressed that creativity and self-expression among younger generations should not be demonised, noting that outward appearance does not define faith.
“The younger generation is creative, expressive, and not as boring as some people want them to be. Afro, tattoos, or even dreadlocks do not determine whether someone loves God or not,” he added.
The video has since sparked heated debates online, with reactions sharply divided between supporters praising his honesty and critics accusing him of blurring moral boundaries.
Watch the video below…
“How’s tattoo wrong? Women do micro blading, do makeup, Hausa does lali. Is it not tattoo? I will draw more tattoo and I’ll do dreads. You think the younger generation are boring as you?”
— Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo. https://t.co/ueK53CzRIA pic.twitter.com/yOBUcrzcdm
— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) February 3, 2026
