Founder of the David Christian Centre and popular relationship coach, Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, has dismissed criticism over his tattoo, insisting that he would not be deterred by public backlash.
Speaking in a video, Okonkwo said he intended to do even more, adding that he might eventually wear dreadlocks.
He noted that there are pastors in Lagos with dreadlocks and tattoos, arguing that critics were out of touch with current realities and younger generations.
He questioned why tattoos were considered wrong, asking critics to clearly explain their objections.
He said, “I will do more. I might even do dreads. Oh you dont know there is a pastor in Lagos that has dread and even tattoo. Are you out of touch?
“You think the younger generations are as boring as you. I know drug dealers that drive private jet, so are we gonna cancel private jet now.”
According to him, practices such as microblading, makeup, and the use of henna during traditional marriage ceremonies are also forms of body art similar to tattoos.
He added, “What made tattoo wrong is what you have not told me. How is tattoo wrong? Someone painted their hand. The women who do micro blading, makeup is it not tattoo.
“The henna Hausa people use while getting married, and they paint their hand is it not tattoo? With all the national issues going on, you made a fuss about my tattoo.
Okonkwo further expressed concern that, despite pressing national issues and an upcoming election, attention was being focused on his personal appearance.
He maintained that he would continue to live as he pleased, urging critics to move on if his choices upset them.
“Election is in few days, the people owning the country have started planning, the youths are bothered about my tattoo. I will do more, if it is paining you, go and get juice,” he stated.
His comments came amid widespread reactions to a video in which Pastor Okonkwo was seen showing off a Bible-themed tattoo on his arm, done to mark his 50th birthday.
The tattoo, written in Roman numerals as “III: XVI,” is a reference to John 3:16, one of the most well-known verses in Christianity.
The video, which begins with a voice-over of the scripture, sparked significant online attention and mixed reactions.
While some critics argued that the tattoo was inappropriate for a pastor, others praised it as a creative and symbolic expression of faith.