A church in Port Harcourt is at the centre of a social media storm after allegedly turning away members of a wedding party, including groomsmen and a female guest, for their appearance. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, December 21, 2025, has sparked a heated debate about church policies and inclusivity.
Wedding Party Left Outside the Church
According to a viral TikTok video, two groomsmen and a lady were prevented from entering the Spoken Word Bride Assembly in Port Harcourt to attend their friend's wedding ceremony. The groomsmen, who were part of the bridal train, claimed church officials asked them to remain outside because of their braided hairstyles. The female guest accompanying them was reportedly denied entry because of her 'tight' dress.
In the video, shared by a content creator known as @yankohboy_, text overlay reads: "Let it be known that 'Spoken Word Bride Assembly' have asked us to remain outside the church because of our hair and dressing, please what is wrong with this our look or dressing?"
Frustration Over Money Spent on Attire
One of the most pointed complaints from the groomsmen was the financial investment they had made for the event. @yankohboy_ stated in the video that acquiring their suits cost a significant sum of N185,000. He expressed deep frustration that after such an expense, they were barred from participating in the ceremony.
"Looking at us, you would know that we have spent so much. Owning this suit is N185k. After spending so much, we came to this church for our friend's wedding, we are part of the groomsmen, they asked us to stay outside because of our hair..." he lamented.
He further questioned the church's judgment, pointing to the lady in a white dress and asking, "What is wrong with this dress? Look at us, what is wrong with us? I thought here God said he is after our hearts, not our dress. They bounced us. This is church, not even club. E no make sense now."
Mixed Public Reactions to the Incident
The video quickly garnered widespread attention, with Nigerians online divided in their opinions.
Some commenters criticised the church's action as unwelcoming. User dêsèrt fløw3r? commented: "What happened to the idea of welcoming sinners cos Jesus died for sinners not the righteous, they would at least look at them as sinners who need God than they do." Another, Chizzy ikechi, suggested a more pastoral approach: "They no try at all, they suppose let u guys in beside u guys are not their member then after church they call you guys separately and advice u guys they might even win your souls for christ."
However, others defended the church's right to enforce its standards. User Ter stated: "I am not a born again... but i believe the church did what a responsible church should have done. That's their policy, respect it." Abby???? echoed this sentiment: "Oga respect the rules of the church that’s their pattern and believe you should have asked questions before going there."
Some even praised the church's stance, with user ekanem john asking: "Please I need such church to worship in whenever i get to Port Harcourt. Name please."
A Recurring Theme in Nigerian Churches
This incident is not isolated. It recalls a similar report by Legit.ng where a wedding photographer was denied entry into a Watchman church in Uyo because of his dreadlocks. The photographer, @waywardbrown0, had been contracted to cover the event and was told to dress well, only to be turned away at the door due to his hairstyle.
These events highlight an ongoing tension in many Nigerian religious spaces between maintaining doctrinal or cultural standards of appearance and practicing an open-door policy for visitors and guests, especially during celebratory events like weddings. The debate continues on whether churches should prioritize outward appearance or the intent of the heart for non-members attending special occasions.
