Senior Pastor of David’s Christian Centre, Kingsley Okonkwo, has addressed the backlash that followed a viral video showing a new tattoo on his arm, saying he felt disrespected and insulted by reactions from some fellow ministers.
The controversy began after a clip surfaced online in which the popular relationship coach and preacher was seen with visible body art. The video quickly sparked debate within Christian circles, with some questioning whether it was appropriate for a church leader to publicly display a tattoo.
Speaking during a church service, Okonkwo directly responded to the criticism, stating that while a few ministers approached the issue with understanding, many others reacted from what he described as a “religious” mindset rather than a balanced theological perspective.
According to him, several critics argued that although tattoos may not be explicitly sinful, they are not “expedient” or spiritually beneficial for a pastor. He rejected that line of reasoning and described some of the remarks as unnecessary and disrespectful.
“They said a tattoo is not a sin, but is it expedient? Why did you post it? Why must you do it? That is stupid talk, and I am insulted,” he said in the viral clip.
The cleric went further to emphasise what he called “ranking in the spirit,” suggesting that spiritual maturity and leadership hierarchy should be respected within the Christian community. He maintained that not everyone is in a position to question or correct senior ministers, especially without understanding the full context of their decisions.
“There is ranking in the spirit. My junior cannot talk when I am talking. There are people you cannot correct. The scope of what they are handling, you cannot grasp it,” Okonkwo stated.
He also argued that some critics may lack the spiritual depth or broader perspective needed to properly assess such personal choices. Drawing comparisons, he referenced internationally known preacher Joyce Meyer, noting that she reportedly got a tattoo later in life.
“Am I higher than Joyce Meyer? Joyce Meyer had a tattoo at about 80 years old,” he said, using the example to challenge the idea that tattoos automatically contradict Christian leadership.
This is not the first time Okonkwo has defended his decision. In earlier comments, he maintained that the Bible does not contain a direct prohibition against tattoos under the New Covenant, and he encouraged believers to focus on more substantive issues of faith rather than outward appearance.
The debate has continued to generate mixed reactions online, with some supporters praising his stance as progressive and others insisting that church leaders should exercise greater caution in matters that could influence younger Christians.
As discussions persist, the issue has highlighted broader tensions within contemporary Christianity over tradition, personal expression, and the evolving image of church leadership in modern society.
