I Will Never Return — Man Vows To Avoid COZA After Alleged Church Entrance Dispute

A man has criticised the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Abuja, after allegedly being denied entry into the church for refusing to remove the covering on his hair.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the man made the allegations in a video circulating on social media platform X, where he narrated how a security operative and an usher reportedly stopped him at the church entrance and insisted that he remove his head covering before being allowed inside.

Recounting the incident, the man said he visited the church but was surprised when officials informed him that he could not enter without uncovering his hair. He explained that he questioned the reason behind the instruction but was reportedly told that covering his head amounted to dishonouring God.

The man said he was uncomfortable removing the covering because he did not want to expose his natural hair. However, the officials allegedly maintained that the church had rules that required him to uncover his head.

He further disclosed that the officials referred to 1 Corinthians 11:4 as the biblical basis for the instruction. However, he challenged their interpretation of the scripture, arguing that the passage was being misunderstood and taken out of context.

According to him, the biblical passage addresses men covering their heads while praying or prophesying, and he questioned why it was being used as a reason to prevent someone from attending a church service.

Expressing his disappointment, the man argued that churches should provide welcoming environments where people can come as they are to seek God, rather than impose restrictions that could discourage worshippers.

He compared the church to a hospital, saying it should accommodate people from different backgrounds and appearances who are seeking spiritual guidance and transformation.

He also criticised what he described as the introduction of unnecessary rules and doctrines by some churches, particularly in Nigeria, insisting that such practices could undermine the purpose of Christian worship.

The man expressed frustration over the experience and declared that he would not attend COZA again. He also criticised the church’s leadership, including its founder, Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, over what he described as the treatment he allegedly received.

The incident has sparked discussion about church dress codes, biblical interpretations and the balance between religious traditions and welcoming worshippers. However, the allegations remain the man’s account of the encounter, and no response from COZA was included in the information available.