Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo Gets Roman Numeral Tattoo — First Nigerian Pastor to Do So?!

Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo Gets Roman Numeral Tattoo — First Nigerian Pastor to Do So?!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan (Editor -in- chief) | Sele Media Africa Journalist

Lagos, Nigeria – 31 January 2026 — Renowned Nigerian pastor, relationship expert, and Lead Pastor of David Christian Centre (DCC), Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, has sparked widespread discussion after unveiling a Roman numeral tattoo on his arm — a personal body art declaration that appears to be a first among prominent Nigerian clergy.

The tattoo, which reads “3:16”, was shared by Pastor Okonkwo on his official Instagram account, catching many followers by surprise and instantly going viral across social media platforms. The inscription is widely interpreted as a reference to the Bible verse John 3:16, a central scripture in Christian teaching about salvation and God’s love.

A Historic Moment in Nigerian Ministry?

While there is no official registry of Nigerian pastors with tattoos, no widely reported case prior to this has shown a senior Nigerian pastor openly displaying a tattoo, especially one with such symbolic Christian meaning — making Pastor Okonkwo’s move arguably the first of its kind among Nigerian clerics. However, it’s important to clarify that this claim is based on media records and social media discussions and may be subject to change with further documentation.

Public Reaction: Faith, Tradition, and Expression

The reaction has been mixed:

Supporters argue that the tattoo symbolizes personal faith and reflects the essence of the scripture it represents, emphasizing that true devotion is in the heart rather than outward appearance.

Critics, including several vocal social media users, have challenged the move — citing biblical passages such as Leviticus 19:28, which states, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves.” They argue that as a pastor and spiritual leader, Okonkwo carries additional responsibility to model traditional interpretations of scripture.

Comments shared online included:

“The Bible says we should not make a mark on our skin … the Bible hasn’t changed,” one follower said, referencing scripture directly.

thers urged calm and peace, reminding believers that individual expressions of faith vary.

No Official Response Yet from Pastor Okonkwo

At the time of reporting, Pastor Okonkwo had not issued an official public statement explaining the tattoo’s meaning, its timing, or how he reconciles it with his pastoral calling.

About Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo

Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo is known across Nigeria and beyond as a relationship coach, speaker, and author. He founded David Christian Centre, which focuses on spiritual growth, marriage building, and youth mentorship.

This incident has now thrust him into a national conversation about personal identity, modern expressions of faith, and the evolving expectations of religious leadership in a digital, connected age.

Citations:

1.PM News Nigeria
https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/01/31/reactions-as-popular-nigerian-pastor-shows-off-tattooed-hand/

2. QED.NG
   https://www.qed.ng/pastor-kingsley-okonkwos-new-tattoo-draws-reactions-online/

3.The Nation Online:
https://thenationonlineng.net/netizens-react-as-pastor-kingsley-okonkwo-gets-tattoo/

4.Gistlover
https://www.gistlover.com/netizens-react-as-pastor-kingsley-okonkwo-shows-off-new-tattoo/

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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