Controversial cleric Jimmy Odukoya has revealed that his decision to keep dreadlocks was based on a direct instruction from God — a move that, according to him, ultimately saved a life.

In a sermon shared on Facebook Wednesday, the lead pastor of The Fountain of Life Church explained that the hairstyle, which has drawn both criticism and support, is not a fashion statement but a spiritual mandate.

“Before I came back, one of the things I asked the Lord was whether or not I should cut my hair. And the Lord told me not to cut my hair,” Odukoya said. “I said, ‘Lord, you sure?’ He said, ‘Don’t cut it.’ I said, ‘Alright. I don’t know what you’re trying to do, but I’m crazy enough to follow you, let’s do it together.’”

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He recounted how his sister and fellow pastor, Tolu Odukoya-Ijogun, initially questioned his appearance, urging him to consider how it might affect his outreach.

“She said, ‘This your hair… To clean a fish, you must first catch it,’” he recalled. “In other words, if you’re going to reach people and bring about change, you must first be relatable and accepted.”

Odukoya, however, insisted on following divine instruction. “Sis, I hear you, but go and pray. God will speak to you,” he told her.

According to him, she later returned with a revelation of her own. “She saw me preaching with my hair and came back to say, ‘You’re not supposed to cut it.’ And I said, ‘I know. He already told me.’”

The most striking part of his testimony came as he described a woman from Zimbabwe who traveled to Nigeria just to attend his service after recognizing him from a vision she had nine years ago.

“She said, ‘People think I’m crazy. I told everybody I am coming to Nigeria for the next three to four weeks. I’m just coming to church,’” Odukoya shared.

He explained that the woman had seen him in a 2016 vision while in New York during Thanksgiving. At the time, she said she was burdened by personal struggles and saw a man with long hair and a sword speaking words that released her from her pain.

“There was this dog on my shoulder. I knew the dog represented the weight I was carrying and you had this long sword. You began speaking to me and it looked like thunder and lightning was coming out of the sword and it burnt the dog into ashes,” she told him.

The woman said she had no knowledge of Odukoya at the time and assumed the man in the vision wasn’t real. Years later, in 2025, while battling depression after a divorce and the loss of her mother, she stumbled upon a sermon on YouTube — and recognized him instantly.

“She said, ‘I screamed. This is the man I saw. I didn’t know any pastor would have long hair. It’s him!’”

Odukoya noted that the timing of her vision in 2016 was particularly significant because he did not have dreadlocks then, highlighting how obeying God’s instruction played a role in what he believes was a divinely orchestrated moment.

“In 2016, I didn’t even have dreads. But the God who sees, hears, and knows, knew that in February 2025, one of His children would have to see a man preaching,” he said. “If He did not ask me to keep my hair, I would have cut it. And when I popped up on the screen, she would have seen me with no hair and it would have meant nothing.”

Odukoya, who succeeded his late father Pastor Taiwo Odukoya in 2023, has previously defended his appearance, stating that his mode of dressing is spiritually guided.

Nigerian music icon, David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has made a public declaration about his personal growth and commitment to fidelity, stating that he’s done with cheating.

In a recent interview on the Breakfast Club podcast, the Afrobeats star spoke candidly about his past and how personal experiences have reshaped his outlook on relationships.

“I’m not cheating again. I don’t want wahala. I don’t want any wahala. I have five kids with four women,” Davido admitted, shedding light on his journey toward a more disciplined and peaceful lifestyle.

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He reflected on the influence of family, particularly the polygamous experiences of two of his uncles. “My uncle that’s a governor has two wives. Another of my uncles: all his wives lived with him, and they played with each other. But upon all the money, there’s still wahala,” he explained.

Davido suggested that witnessing the emotional and logistical complications in those homes helped him make up his mind.

“Maybe because I’ve had bad experiences. Sometimes experience is the best teacher,” he added.

The Nigerian film industry reached another milestone this weekend with the premiere of Radio Voice, a new feature film produced by renowned actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD).

The film made its debut on Saturday, April 6, 2025, at a star-studded event in Lagos State.

Radio Voice delves into the life of a charismatic radio presenter whose powerful public persona hides the personal struggles he faces behind the scenes.

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The film explores themes such as media influence, self-identity, and the emotional complexities of maintaining a public image.

Directed by Isioma Osaje, the film has been described as “a tribute to the legacy of radio in Nigeria” and offers “an intimate look at the human voice as both a tool and a burden.”

Speaking on the red carpet, Director Isioma Osaje shared her pride in leading the project. “One of the most meaningful stories I’ve ever had the privilege to tell,” she said, reflecting on the emotional weight of the film.

The premiere was hosted by popular media personality Ariyiike Dimples, who added energy and excitement to the event, interviewing guests and celebrities on the red carpet.

The event was attended by an impressive lineup of Nollywood stars, media executives, radio icons, and influencers, all dressed to impress.

The screening of Radio Voice received a standing ovation, with attendees praising the film’s emotional depth and the standout performances of its cast.

Early reactions on social media have been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the film as powerful, nostalgic, and a timely reflection on the challenges faced by media professionals.

In his address at the premiere, RMD highlighted the importance of preserving Nigerian heritage through storytelling.

“This film is for every radio personality who ever wondered if their voice was enough,” he said, emphasizing the significance of the narrative for media professionals.

Radio Voice is set to open in cinemas nationwide on April 11, 2025, and is expected to captivate audiences with its powerful portrayal of the human side of radio and the media industry.