The cleric had stirred debate on social media after sharing a video of himself getting a tattoo of John 3:16 inscribed in Roman numerals — “III: XVI.” The move generated mixed reactions within Christian circles, with some questioning the propriety and necessity of a pastor publicly displaying a tattoo.
Responding to the controversy, Okonkwo said only a handful of ministers demonstrated sufficient understanding of his decision, while others criticised him without spiritual depth.
“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.
He took particular exception to arguments that, although tattoos may not be sinful, they are not “expedient” for a minister. According to him, such reasoning reflects shallow thinking.
“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 stated.
Okonkwo further argued that spiritual authority differs among ministers, suggesting that not everyone is positioned to critique others in ministry. “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.
To justify his position, the pastor cited respected international Christian figures such as Joyce Meyer and Max Lucado, noting that both have had tattoos. He questioned whether his own action should attract greater scrutiny.
“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 remarked.
Okonkwo explained that his decision to make the tattoo public was tied to his calling and the audience he leads. According to him, Christianity accommodates diverse expressions of faith and personal style, provided they do not undermine core beliefs.
“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,” he said.
He concluded by urging Christians to refrain from judging personal choices that do not directly affect others’ faith, stressing that individual expressions of belief should be respected within the broader Christian community.