Nigerian actress and media personality Ariyike Owolagba, popularly known as Ariyiike Dimples, has opened up about why she stopped attending church for three years.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Open Up podcast, she said the decision followed a humiliating encounter with a church elder who judged her appearance.
Ariyiike explained that the issue began when she wore a pencil skirt to her community church. According to her, an elderly woman confronted her and said she would “go to hell fire” because the skirt was considered indecent. The actress said she felt shocked, wrongly judged, and frustrated, which eventually made her stop attending the church.
She added that the church was filled mostly with older members and had very few young people, noting that strict doctrines and harsh judgment pushed many youths away. After the incident, the elderly woman even reported her to her father.
Ariyiike said she had to send a picture of the skirt to her mother to prove she wasn’t dressed improperly, but her father supported the idea of community discipline. To avoid further judgment, she chose to stay away from the church.
Despite quitting church for years, Ariyiike emphasized that she remains a practicing Christian. She said her faith is still intact, but she prefers worship settings where young people are welcomed without unnecessary criticism.
