Controversial Nigerian pastor and Nollywood actor, Jimmy Odukoya, has reignited online conversations about faith and personal appearance after revealing that God instructed him not to cut his dreadlocks. The lead pastor of The Fountain of Life Church shared the revelation in a viral video circulating on Thursday, April 10, 2025, stating that his hairstyle is not just personal but spiritual.
Addressing critics who questioned the compatibility of his looks with his pastoral role, Odukoya firmly stated that his appearance doesn’t determine his anointing. “God told me clearly, ‘Do not cut your hair.’ So I’m not moved by what people think a pastor should look like,” he said. The video has been widely shared on Instagram and TikTok, igniting debates among Christians and secular audiences alike.
Odukoya, who took over leadership of the church in September 2023 following the passing of his father, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, has consistently challenged conservative expectations of pastoral appearance. From his tattooed arms to his dreadlocks and designer outfits, he represents a modern, unconventional figure in Nigeria’s Pentecostal landscape.
Supporters have praised his authenticity and ability to reach younger audiences who often feel alienated by traditional church models. They argue that what truly matters is the content of his message, not his outward appearance. “He’s breaking stereotypes and making the church more relatable to our generation,” one follower commented on Threads.
However, not everyone is impressed. Critics have accused Odukoya of using theatrics and appearance to gain social media clout, questioning whether his image is overshadowing his message. “We are not to be conformed to the patterns of this world,” one Facebook user posted, referencing Romans 12:2. Some commenters went as far as calling for a return to “reverence” and “holiness” in ministry.
Despite the backlash, Odukoya remains unfazed. In his sermon, he doubled down on his calling, reminding his congregation that many biblical prophets, including Samson and John the Baptist, were unconventional in their appearance. “God looks at the heart, not the hair,” he declared. His video has now crossed over 2.1 million views across platforms.
The renewed controversy places Odukoya at the center of a growing cultural shift in African Christianity, where tradition is clashing with modern expression. Whether seen as revolutionary or rebellious, he is undeniably commanding attention, pushing the boundaries of how spiritual leadership is perceived in Nigeria and beyond.
