Yemi Obafemi
The founder of David Christian Centre, Kingsley Okonkwo, has defended his decision to get a Bible-inspired tattoo, saying criticism from some fellow ministers was rooted in religious bias and a lack of understanding.
The cleric recently sparked debate after sharing a video of himself getting a tattoo of John 3:16 written in Roman numerals, “III: XVI.”
The post drew mixed reactions within Christian circles, with some questioning the appropriateness of the act for a pastor.
Responding to the backlash, Okonkwo said only “one or two ministers were grounded and sound enough” to understand his choice, while others reacted from a place of religiosity rather than spiritual maturity.
“On my tattoo issue, only one or two ministers were grounded and sound enough to understand it. Most of them are just religious people,” he said.
He dismissed arguments that, although tattoos may not be sinful, they may not be “expedient,” describing such comments as “stupid talk” and saying he felt insulted by them.
“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,” he added.
The pastor also referenced international Christian figures to support his stance, noting that Joyce Meyer had a tattoo from childhood and that Max Lucado got one at age 70.
According to Okonkwo, his decision to publicise the tattoo was aligned with his calling and the audience he ministers to.
“I posted it because my own position, my own calling, my own constituency requires that,” he said, adding that diversity in Christian expression should be respected.
“In Christianity, there are different flavours. It is not only your style that matters. You don’t want to wear shoes so what? I want to wear shoes. How does that affect anybody’s faith?” he stated.
