Nigerian actress and media personality Ariyike Owolagba, popularly known as Ariyike Dimples, has opened up about the personal experience that made her stop attending church for three years.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Open Up podcast, the actress revealed that a church elder harshly criticised her for wearing a pencil skirt, accusing her of dressing indecently and warning that she would “go to hell” because of it.
Ariyike Dimples said the judgment left her shocked and frustrated.
“In my community church, you see only elderly people. The young ones have gone to other churches. Yes, you can have your doctrines, but there is a way you can simplify it for young people without judging them,” she said.
She recalled how the elder even reported her to her father.
“I had to take a picture of the skirt and send to my mum to prove I wasn’t dressing indecently. But my dad believed in the ideology of a community raising a child. So, I chose to avoid the community church so they won’t see me.”
Ariyike Dimples explained that the encounter made her feel unwelcome, prompting her to quit church entirely for three years. However, she clarified that she remains a practicing Christian despite stepping away from the congregation.
Her story highlights a growing concern among young people who feel judged or alienated by traditional church environments.