Jimmy Odukoya, senior pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, says he kept his dreadlocks after God instructed him not to cut them. Sharing personal stories of confirmation and spiritual encounters, Odukoya’s choice has ignited conversation about faith, identity, and the evolving image of church leadership.
Jimmy Odukoya, senior pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, recently opened up about a personal decision rooted in faith: choosing to keep his dreadlocks despite traditional expectations of clergy appearance.
In a sermon, Odukoya recounted how he prayed for guidance on whether to alter his hairstyle before officially stepping into pastoral leadership following the passing of his father, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya. While some close to him, including his sister, expressed concerns about public perception, Odukoya said he felt God clearly instructed him not to cut his hair. After encouraging his sister to seek her confirmation through prayer, she returned with the same conviction — affirming the decision he had already made.
Adding a deeply personal dimension to his story, Odukoya shared an encounter with a woman who traveled from Zimbabwe to attend his church. She told him of a vision she had years earlier, in which she saw Odukoya — dreadlocks and all — delivering a message that symbolized her spiritual liberation. The imagery of the vision, she explained, was vivid and life-changing, reinforcing her decision to visit Nigeria.
Odukoya’s account has sparked conversations about how spiritual leaders balance cultural identity, personal calling, and public expectations. For him, authenticity and obedience to divine guidance remain paramount.
