Veteran Nollywood actor Yemi Solade has opened up on decision to stay away from church services for more than 10 years, revealing that the move was driven by personal experiences that clashed with his career and peace of mind.
Speaking on the Honest Bunch Podcast, the actor recalled that the turning point came in 2013 when a pastor at his former church instructed him to stop accepting acting jobs scheduled on Sundays.
Solade said the directive left him uncomfortable, as it directly interfered with his profession and livelihood.
He explained that the situation made him reevaluate the balance between faith and personal life, ultimately leading him to step back from regular church attendance.
“If you see me in a church, it’s probably because we’re filming. Back in 2013, I went to church with my wife, and the pastor told me not to take jobs on Sundays. That same work he wanted me to avoid is what puts money in my pocket and allows me to give offerings. That was when I decided to stop,” he said.
Solade dismissed the widely held notion that life would take a downturn without church attendance, stressing that his life has remained stable and even more peaceful since he stopped.
According to him, he has been able to focus better on his family and acting career without the constant pressure of church committees and programs that often consumed his time.
“A notion that if you don’t attend church, one’s life will nosedive, I have not seen anything change. Rather, I have peace, I do well, because everyday of my life when I was going to church, I got messages, all sorts of disturbances,” he added.
The actor emphasized that his choice was not a rejection of faith but a conscious decision to avoid unhealthy pressures that hinder personal growth and productivity.
Why I stopped attending church for more than 10 years – Actor Yemi Solade
