A Nigerian man residing in the United Kingdom has ignited a spirited conversation online after sharing observations from his final worship session with the Jehovah's Witnesses and drawing a direct comparison with the sect's practices in Nigeria.
A Final Visit and a Striking Observation
The man, identified on TikTok as Bennylee Akanni, posted a video documenting what he stated was his last attendance at a Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall in the UK. The clip, published in early January 2026, showed him actively participating, singing along with other congregants.
In a pointed observation overlaid as text on the video, Akanni highlighted a key difference he perceived. He wrote: "My last day as Jehovah Witness in the UK. Nigeria version will not even let me in with my braided hair." This statement formed the core of his comparison, suggesting a more relaxed or accepting approach in the UK congregation regarding personal appearance, specifically his braided hairstyle, which he believed would have barred him from entry in Nigeria.
Mixed Reactions Flood Social Media
The video quickly garnered a wide range of responses from Nigerians online, revealing diverse perspectives on doctrine, culture, and personal expression within the religious community.
Some commenters, like @Ugo_eze, appealed to Akanni not to leave the organization, praising his singing voice. Others questioned the basis of his claim about Nigeria. User Olivia ? challenged, "Nobody can stop you from entering Kingdom Hall in Nigeria bcos of your hair or how you’re dressed... So the Nigeria version type I don’t understand what you mean by that!"
Another user, Thompson Onuoha, offered a cultural and scriptural perspective, stating, "It's women who make hair, men cut their hair. That's the Nigerian way/culture. The Bible advises one to adapt so as to not stumble people..." Meanwhile, a user named laughter clarified, "That you attend meetings does not make you a Jehovah’s Witness …. Even in Nigeria u can attend meetings with your braided hair…… We don’t judge."
The discussion also took unexpected turns, with user Black'crystal luxury???? expressing surprise, noting, "I wish to know your story...this is unbelievable....coz I know you to be babalawo now," hinting at Akanni's possible involvement with traditional spiritual practices.
Broader Context: Former Members Share Experiences
This incident touches on a broader narrative of individuals sharing their journeys out of the Jehovah's Witnesses. In related reports, a former member who lost family members broke her silence about the church.
Furthermore, another ex-member shed light on the group's strict stance against blood transfusions. She disclosed that as a member, she carried a card instructing medical personnel to let her die rather than accept a blood transfusion if injured. She emphasized that the psychological impact of such doctrines often becomes fully apparent only after leaving the group.
The Jehovah's Witnesses, a Christian denomination originating from the Adventist movement in the late 1800s in the United States, are known for their distinctive practices, including door-to-door evangelism and the use of Kingdom Halls as their places of worship.
Akanni's video, while a personal anecdote, has successfully opened a window into discussions about the intersection of faith, cultural adaptation, and personal liberty within global religious organizations, particularly from the viewpoint of the Nigerian diaspora.
