Nollywood actress-turned-evangelist Tonto Dikeh has urged Christian men to stop relying on spiritual claims instead of making genuine efforts when pursuing women for marriage.
Speaking in a video shared on her Instagram page, the 41-year-old actress criticised what she described as the “low-effort” approach some church men adopt during courtship, saying spirituality should never replace intentionality, communication and respect in relationships.
Addressing Christian men directly, Dikeh questioned why some believe women in church should not be treated with the same level of care and thoughtfulness expected in healthy relationships.
“God can send you, but using spiritual language to mask emotional laziness is a distortion of God’s character. Saying, ‘God told me you are my wife,’ is not an excuse to bypass intentionality and practical effort,” she said.
To support her argument, Dikeh referenced several passages from the Bible, insisting that Scripture encourages deliberate and responsible courtship. Citing Proverbs 18:22, she said finding a wife requires active effort rather than passive expectations.
She also pointed to the story of Isaac’s marriage in Genesis 24, noting that Abraham’s servant arrived with valuable gifts while seeking a wife for Isaac, describing it as an example of preparation and intentional pursuit rather than relying solely on prophecy.
Drawing another example from the story of Boaz and Ruth, she argued that Boaz demonstrated genuine love through protection, provision and responsibility instead of making spiritual claims. According to her, divine guidance should inspire responsible behaviour, not replace meaningful communication and commitment.
The actress further cited the Song of Solomon as evidence that romance, affection and honouring one’s partner are consistent with Christian values.
“A woman of God deserves to be cherished, respected and treated with excellence. Spiritual maturity should elevate your standards, not lower them,” she said, urging Christian men to “step up” and invest genuine effort in relationships.
Dikeh’s comments come after years of public attention surrounding her personal relationships. She was married to businessman Olakunle Churchill in 2015 before the marriage ended in 2017. She later had a widely publicised relationship with businessman Prince Kpokpogri, which also ended amid public controversy.
Meanwhile, the actress continues to focus on her evangelical work and is expected to participate in a prayer and worship programme in Kigali, Rwanda, on July 5 alongside gospel singer **Ebuka Songs> and other ministers.
