Pastor Andrew Emajere has criticised former Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh over her reported decision to establish a ₦300 million prayer ministry in Abuja, questioning the speed of her transition from celebrity life to religious leadership.
Emajere, in a social media post, questioned how quickly Dikeh moved into ministry following her reported repentance and conversion, particularly her readiness to assume the position of General Overseer.
He argued that individuals seeking to establish churches should undergo stricter screening and accountability, especially when they are public figures whose personal lives have previously attracted significant public attention.
The pastor also compared the situation with practices within Islam, citing restrictions surrounding female Imams, and questioned whether Christian institutions have become too permissive in allowing people to establish ministries without adequate scrutiny.
According to Emajere, celebrities who enter ministry without resolving personal issues could potentially introduce confusion among their followers and undermine the credibility of religious leadership.
However, Emajere’s comments have generated mixed reactions online, some social media users agreed that celebrity conversions and transitions into religious leadership should be subjected to accountability and proper scrutiny, others disagreed with the pastor’s position.
While some respondents invoked biblical teachings on repentance, forgiveness and mercy, arguing that a person’s past should not automatically disqualify them from answering a spiritual calling.
Others cautioned against making definitive judgments about Dikeh’s relationship with God or the sincerity of her repentance, stressing that spiritual transformation is ultimately personal.
The controversy has consequently renewed debate over celebrity conversions, accountability in Nigerian churches and the criteria that should determine who is qualified to establish and lead a Christian ministry.
