Nigerian comedian, actor and filmmaker Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has shared the reasons behind his decision to stop attending church, saying the move was prompted by public scrutiny following his divorce rather than a loss of faith.
In a video shared on his social media pages on Sunday, the entertainer explained that he still believes in God and occasionally joins worship services online. However, he chose to step away from physical church gatherings to avoid becoming the subject of gossip.
AY said the intense public attention surrounding the end of his marriage made attending church uncomfortable, as he feared being the focus of whispered conversations.
He also disclosed that after finding another church and resuming in-person worship, he was later removed from a church programme he had been scheduled to participate in. According to him, church leaders cited concerns over public perception as the reason for the decision.
The experience, he said, forced him to reflect on the role of the church in the lives of people facing personal struggles.
Questioning the response he received, AY asked whether places of worship should not be safe spaces where individuals can seek grace, truth and restoration instead of judgment.
He argued that when people cannot turn to the church during difficult moments, they are left vulnerable to criticism from social media users and others who may not understand their circumstances.
The comedian maintained that churches should embody compassion and restoration, stressing that faith communities should welcome those going through challenging seasons rather than condemn them.
