Nigerian cleric Prophet Apata Joseph Enoch has stirred controversy after publicly advising people not to marry “ugly” spouses, arguing that physical appearance becomes even more important with age.

The pastor shared the remarks in a Facebook post dedicated to praising his wife, whom he repeatedly described as “fine and beautiful” and ageing gracefully. Using their marriage as an example, he suggested that beauty should be a conscious criterion in choosing a life partner.

“I’m 54, my sweetheart 50. Don’t marry an ugly person because of old age. Open your heart and eyes,” he wrote, insisting that attraction remains crucial long after the excitement of early marriage fades.

Prophet Apata recounted that before marrying his current wife, he had been interested in another woman. According to him, he sought divine direction and received a warning about how that woman would look in the future.

“The woman I want to marry before, God told me I wouldn’t like her in her old age,” he claimed. He went on to say that time had proven that revelation right. “Today, she looks like someone I can’t take pictures with. I bless God. I hear from this merciful God who knows I like a fine and beautiful wife.”

His comments, framed as spiritual counsel, have ignited debate among social media users and within Christian circles. Supporters argue that physical attraction is a legitimate factor in marriage and that many couples underestimate its long-term importance. They say the pastor is simply being honest about a topic often glossed over in religious discussions about relationships.

Critics, however, accuse him of promoting superficial standards and body shaming, especially toward women who may feel pressured to meet unrealistic beauty expectations as they age. Some question the idea that God would warn someone about a partner’s future looks rather than character, health, or compatibility.

Despite the backlash, Prophet Apata has maintained his emphasis on beauty as part of God’s blessing in marriage, holding up his wife as evidence that, in his view, both spirituality and physical attraction can coexist in a long-term union.