Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, popularly known as “PK,” has addressed the controversy surrounding the tattoo he recently got on his hand, saying the decision was a matter of personal preference and should not attract public outrage.
Okonkwo, a well-known Nigerian minister, relationship coach, and author, is the Lead Pastor of David’s Christian Centre (DCC) in Lagos. He is widely recognized for his teachings on marriage, relationships, and family life.
The pastor took to social media on Monday, February 2, to explain why he tattooed his hand with the Roman numeral inscription of John 3:16 to mark his 50th birthday.
‘There Are Bigger Issues to Talk About’
Reacting to criticism, Okonkwo questioned why his tattoo had become a major topic of discussion when, according to him, Nigeria is facing more pressing national concerns.
“You are bothered about my tattoo when an election is around the corner and the people who are holding Nigeria are meeting and strategizing,” he said.
He added that the reaction baffled him, insisting that tattoos are not inherently wrong.
“I will do more. By the way, what is wrong with a tattoo? Don’t you know there is a pastor that has dreads in this Lagos?” he asked.
Appeal to Youth Culture
Okonkwo compared tattoos to cosmetic enhancements such as artificial eyelashes worn by women, arguing that cultural expressions evolve with generations.
“Your apostles and bishops are old. If they don’t like tattoos, that is their preference and I don’t begrudge them,” he said. “I am sent to the young people.”
He further disclosed that members of his youth church often dress in unconventional ways, noting that the younger generation is simply more creative in their fashion choices.
Public Reaction Remains Largely Critical
Despite his explanation, reactions on social media remained largely critical, including from young Christians.
Comments such as “You go explain tire” flooded his pages, suggesting that many felt his justification was unconvincing. Others accused the pastor of pride and questioned his spiritual depth.
A Facebook user, Moving Ark, wrote:
“Not all pastors are genuine men of God… If you have truly encountered God, there will be evidence visible through His unmistakable signature in your life. Do not be misled into the land of destruction.”
Richard Oluwafemi commented,
“This shows how dangerous it is for a man to step into sacred pastoral commitment without the depth of an encounter with Christ Jesus.”
Another commenter, Jon Don, referenced Apostle Paul’s teaching, stating that leadership should avoid actions that could cause believers to stumble.
“If it causes God’s people to stumble, then it is already wrong,” he wrote.
Questions of Leadership and Maturity
Some critics focused on Okonkwo’s role as a senior church leader.
Isaac Newton John wrote,
“You goofed big time! You’re a General Overseer, but you don’t need this; it’s very immature. Can you imagine Pastors Poju or Andrew Osakwe doing what you’ve just done?”
Olanrewaju Daodu described the incident as unnecessary and avoidable.
“KO is not exegetically sound. This whole drama would have been avoided if his idiosyncratic decision had been done privately,” he said, describing it as “reckless and ostentatious exhibitionism.”
Joseph Aja cited 1 Corinthians 6:12, which states: “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient.”
While a small number of commenters defended Okonkwo’s right to personal expression, the majority of the discourse centered on the responsibilities of Christian leadership, public perception, and the limits of Christian liberty.
