 |
| Image:X |
Media personality and actress, Ariyike Owolagba, popularly known as Ariyiike Dimples, has opened up about a deeply uncomfortable encounter that made her stop going to church for three years.
Speaking during an episode of the Open Up podcast, the actress revealed that a single moment of judgement from an elderly church member pushed her away from the community she once tried to be part of.
Ariyiike explained that she used to attend her community church, a place she described as heavily dominated by elders with very few young people in attendance.
According to her, the atmosphere was too rigid, and the church’s doctrines were constantly enforced in a way that made young people feel unwelcome.
She said many youths had already abandoned the church because they felt judged, misunderstood, or unable to fit into the strict expectations enforced by the older members.
The media personality recalled that her turning point came on a Sunday when she wore a pencil skirt to church. She said an elderly woman approached her and told her she would “go to hell fire” because of her outfit.
Ariyiike said the accusation shocked her, embarrassed her, and left her feeling wrongly judged by people who should have shown love and understanding.
She noted that she was already living on her own at the time, so leaving the church did not cause immediate family conflict, but the incident marked the end of her attendance there.
Ariyiike revealed that the situation escalated further after the woman reported her choice of outfit to her father.
According to her, she had to take a picture of the skirt and send it to her mother to prove that she wasn’t dressed indecently. She said her father, who believed in the idea of a community raising a child, listened to the elder’s complaint, which made her even more uncomfortable.
To avoid further judgement and embarrassment, she decided to stay away from that church entirely.
She explained that attending a place of worship should not make anyone feel small or ashamed, and certainly not condemned.
Ariyiike said her intention that morning was simply to worship God, not to attract attention or criticism. But the experience was enough to make her reconsider how some religious communities treat young people and how harsh doctrines can push them away instead of drawing them closer.
Despite stepping away from church, Ariyiike was quick to clarify that her decision did not affect her relationship with God.
She stated that her faith remained strong, and she continued to pray and develop spiritually. Her issue, she said, was never with God but with the people who used religion as a tool for judgement rather than compassion.
Her revelation has sparked conversations among viewers and fans who believe many young Nigerians share similar experiences.
The incident continues to resonate online as people reflect on the kind of atmosphere that religious communities should create—one rooted in love, not condemnation.
#ExclusiveUpdate
#ViralContent
No comments:
Post a Comment