Kingsley Okonkwo Says “My Juniors Can’t Criticize Me” While Defending Bible-Inspired Tattoo

Relationship coach and lead pastor of David Christian Centre, Kingsley Okonkwo, has defended his decision to get a Bible-inspired tattoo, which he unveiled during his 50th birthday celebration, saying he was offended by critical comments from some fellow ministers.

Pastor Okonkwo first drew attention in January when he shared a video on Instagram showing the tattooing process, accompanied by a voice-over of John 3:16. The tattoo reads “III: XVI” in Roman numerals, referencing the famous Bible verse, and sparked debate among Christians and social media users.

During a sermon on Sunday, Okonkwo addressed the controversy, noting that only a handful of ministers understood his decision, while others reacted out of religious bias.

“On my tattoo issue, only one or two ministers were grounded and sound enough to understand it. Most of them are just religious people,” he said.

“They said, ‘Tattoo is not a sin, but is it expedient? Why did you post it? Why must you do it?’ That is stupid talk, and I am insulted.”

He emphasized that spiritual authority varies among ministers and that not everyone is qualified to pass judgment.

“There is ranking in the spirit. My junior cannot talk when I am talking. There are people you cannot correct. The scope of what they are handling, you cannot grasp it,” he said.

Okonkwo cited well-known Christian leaders like Joyce Meyer and Max Lucado, who also have tattoos, to support his stance.

“Am I higher than Joyce Meyer? She had a tattoo at eight years old. Am I higher than Max Lucado? He got his tattoo at 70,” he said.

He added that making the tattoo public was tied to his calling and constituency.

“I posted it because my own position, my own calling, my own constituency requires that. Even Peter said he could not understand Paul. In Christianity, there are different flavours. It is not only your style that matters. You don’t want to wear shoes – so what? I want to wear shoes. How does that affect anybody’s faith?”

Okonkwo’s comments highlight his view that personal expression and calling can coexist with Christian leadership, even when it challenges conventional expectations.