Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has ignited a fiery online conversation after sharing a deeply personal moment of spiritual devotion on her social media platform. The video, which shows the controversial star praying with intense passion and speaking in tongues, has drawn a sharp divide in reactions from Nigerians across the digital landscape.
A Viral Display of Spiritual Warfare
On January 12, 2026, Tonto Dikeh posted the now-viral clip to her Instagram page. In the footage, the actress is seen engaging in fervent prayer, declaring blessings, divine protection, and favour over her life and the lives of those connected to her. She invoked the imagery of spiritual warfare, calling down "God's fire" against obstacles to her success and proclaiming that no attack would come near her.
Throughout the passionate session, Dikeh repeatedly affirmed that 2026 would be a year of "unstoppable progress," celebrations, and congratulations. She used powerful biblical language, stating she was walking "on eagle's wings" and cursing perceived enemies and altars she believed were set against her joy and breakthroughs. The prayer was accompanied by a lengthy caption expressing gratitude and declaring that every burden had been lifted and every divinely ordained door was opening.
Netizens Question the Public Nature of the Prayer
The video quickly moved beyond her followers, sparking a broader debate about the public display of private faith. A significant portion of the online reaction criticised the actress for what they perceived as a performative act.
One user, @EnekMoses, pointedly asked why her post-conversion content solely focuses on "elevation and breakthroughs" rather than preaching the gospel or aspects of Christian living like kindness and salvation. The user concluded it "just feels performative." Another, @0TH1MMM, quoted the Bible verse Matthew 6:5, which advises against praying publicly to be seen by others.
Further criticism came from users like @AkanMkpah, who humorously referenced the trend of celebrity pastors by writing, "Mummy GO Tonto Dikeh loading," and questioned the emphasis on speaking in tongues. Others, including @slymoore1 and @IBUILD01, advised that genuine prayer should be done in secret, not in front of a ring light for social media, emphasising that "God knows the intent of every man."
Context: A Renewed Public Faith Journey
This public prayer session is not an isolated incident but part of Tonto Dikeh's increasingly visible faith journey, which intensified in late 2025. This period followed her high-profile legal clash with social media activist VeryDarkMan.
Since then, she has publicly shared testimonies of overcoming personal struggles, including a 27-year habit of smoking and alcoholism, attributing her transformation to divine intervention. In a previous social media post, she reintroduced herself with a faith-centred testimony, describing herself as "spirit-filled" and "fire-carrying," and framing her past challenges as platforms for God's glory.
The debate surrounding her latest video underscores the ongoing tension in the digital age between personal religious expression and public perception, especially for figures in the spotlight. While some viewers may see a woman celebrating her spiritual rebirth, others remain skeptical of motivations when such intimate moments are broadcast to millions.
