By Peace Udugba
The Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin, has criticised the practice of men wearing earrings, describing it as a trend influenced by “a demonic system” and contrary to biblical and cultural values.
Speaking during a recent sermon, a video of which has been widely shared on social media, Adefarasin expressed concern over what he described as the growing tendency for men to adopt appearances traditionally associated with women.
According to the cleric, men who wear earrings are being influenced by forces that seek to distort their identity.
“A demonic system has programmed you to wear that which pertains to women. Why are you wearing earrings as a man? You are being programmed,” he said.
Adefarasin maintained that he was entitled to his opinion, adding that he believed men who wear earrings were not being exposed to what he considers the truth.
The pastor also spoke about the historical significance of earrings, claiming they were originally symbols of covenant and, in some cases, slavery before later becoming fashion accessories.
He argued that the practice was not part of Nigerian culture for men and suggested that its modern adoption carries deeper implications.
According to him, “It is not our culture for men to wear earrings. There is something else riding on its back for every man who wears an earring.”
Adefarasin further stated that, historically, the placement of earrings on a man’s ear carried specific meanings, adding that the trend had since evolved to include wearing earrings on both ears.
He also directed church officials not to allow ministers or gospel artists who wear earrings to minister from the church’s pulpit.
“You can’t do it here,” he said. “At The Experience, no artist who wears earrings should be allowed on the pulpit. When you go back to America, you can do it there, but not here. I am not scared of your earring; I am scared of what else you are going to say we can do just because it’s a free world.”
His comments have since generated reactions on social media, with supporters and critics expressing differing views on his remarks regarding personal appearance, culture and religious beliefs.
