Nollywood actress and media personality Ariyike Owolagba, popularly known as Ariyiike Dimples, has opened up about the painful moment that pushed her away from church for three years. Speaking during an interview on the Open Up podcast, she recalled how a single encounter with a church elder left her feeling judged and unwelcome.
According to her, she attended a community church dominated by elderly members, where younger people were already drifting away due to strict doctrines and rigid attitudes. Ariyike explained that she had worn a simple pencil skirt to a service, only to be confronted by an older woman who told her she would “go to hell” for dressing in what she considered indecent clothing. The harsh comment left Ariyike shocked, embarrassed, and deeply hurt.
She revealed that the woman even went as far as reporting her to her father. Wanting to defend herself, Ariyike took a photo of the skirt and sent it to her mother to prove that nothing about her outfit was inappropriate. Although her father believed in the idea of community involvement in raising children, she felt misunderstood and unfairly judged by the congregation.
Rather than continue facing criticism, Ariyike decided to stop attending the community church altogether. She noted that moving out of her parents’ home made it easier for her to disconnect from that environment. Despite stepping back from church attendance, she emphasized that she never abandoned her faith and continues to practice Christianity in her own way.
Ariyike Dimples’ experience sheds light on how judgment within religious spaces can discourage young people from participating in communal worship.
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