“Why I Stopped Going to Church for 3 Years”: Ariyiike Dimples Opens Up on Spirituality
- Ariyiike Dimples recounted the unexpected confrontation that pushed her away from her community church
- The actress stated that a single comment about her outfit left her feeling judged, embarrassed, and misunderstood
- She explained how the incident reshaped her faith journey, and the surprising step she took to protect her peace
- A fan who does not want his name published stated that Ariyike's experience should not be encouraged
Nigerian actress and media personality Ariyike Owolagba, known widely as Ariyiike Dimples, has opened up about a deeply personal experience that made her stop attending church for three years.
In an interview on the Open Up podcast, the actress revealed that a single moment, one she never expected, altered her relationship with her childhood church.
According to her, she walked into a service wearing a simple, modest pencil skirt.
Source: Instagram
What she did not expect was the confrontation waiting for her.
Ariyiike said an elderly woman in the congregation approached her and harshly condemned her appearance.
“She said I would go to hell fire because of a pencil skirt,” the actress stated
She explained that her community church was dominated by elderly people who enforced strict doctrines without considering the perspectives or struggles of younger believers.
She added:
“You barely see young people there. They had all gone to other churches. It was too serious.”
The incident, Ariyiike said, was not just embarrassing; it made her feel attacked. And then it got worse.
The same woman reported her to her father, describing her as indecent.
Ariyiike, who was already living independently at the time, had to send photos of the skirt to her mother to defend herself.
She stated:
“My dad believed in community raising a child. So to avoid more judgment, I stayed away from the church completely.”
Watch the interview here:
Fans react to Ariyiike Dimples' interview
Legit.ng compiled the reactions of social media users below
@Olajumoke-omidele:
"Watched without skipping any part. This is an eye opener. Aside Ariiyike been a TV star she’s very spiritual. I’m actually a big fan all the way from E splash. This is inspiring. Weldone Amanda dara"
@callmelade4371:
"This was such a deep and fun episode. My fellow dimple queen. S/O to Amanda. You're doing such a fantastic job"
@AhamLoveth-uf5jn:
"It's really good seeing you both together after E splash this "hosting" thing you both inspire me"
@antonfrodd2005:
"Arike don turn pastor, Amanda you both need to open a church, Arike the pastor and you the church condinator"
@tosinadams4620:
"Lots of love from me to my namesake. I enjoyed watching"
Source: Instagram
Her experience is sad - Fan
A fan who does not want his name published stated that Ariyike's experience should not be encouraged.
He stated:
"Ariyike’s experience shows how harmful judgmental church culture can be, especially when it shames rather than guides. No one should be condemned over clothing, and her reaction is understandable given how humiliating the incident was."
Sarah Martins: Why I stopped visiting church
Legit.ng earlier reported that for Sarah Martins, the decision to stop attending church was not one she took lightly.
The actress has now revealed that a series of disturbing experiences led her to walk away from organised worship altogether. In an interview with The PUNCH, Sarah explained that she is still a Christian, but her faith is now practiced differently.
Sarah said she once poured her energy into church activities, believing it would bring her closer to God. But over time, she realised that outward appearances didn’t necessarily reflect one’s true standing with God.
Source: Legit.ng
