The Redeemed Christian Church of God has addressed growing public criticism surrounding its General Overseer, Enoch Adejare Adeboye, rejecting allegations that he cancelled a planned protest against insecurity and has remained silent on Nigeria’s challenges.
In a statement released on June 2 through the church’s public relations platform, RCCG said its leader had been misrepresented by what it described as false narratives and agenda-driven commentary circulating online.
RCCG Clarifies Protest Controversy
The church denied reports suggesting Pastor Adeboye personally cancelled a planned protest over insecurity in the country.
According to RCCG, the cleric merely communicated a directive from the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria regarding adjustments to a three-day prayer programme.
The statement explained that PFN instructed participating churches to hold the grand finale of the programme at a centralised venue, followed by a rally around that location, rather than conducting separate activities.
RCCG stressed that the decision applied to all PFN-affiliated churches and was not made by Pastor Adeboye.
Denies Political Endorsement Claims
The church also rejected allegations that Pastor Adeboye supported or campaigned for any political administration.
According to the statement, the cleric has consistently encouraged members to obtain their voter cards and vote according to their personal convictions, while maintaining neutrality toward political parties.
RCCG noted that members of the church belong to different political groups, making partisan endorsement inconsistent with Pastor Adeboye’s longstanding position.
Response to Criticism Over National Issues
Addressing claims that Pastor Adeboye has not spoken out enough on issues such as insecurity and economic hardship, RCCG argued that his role is spiritual rather than governmental.
The statement emphasised that while the cleric can mobilise prayers and communicate directives from Christian bodies, he does not possess direct authority over security agencies or government institutions.
The church concluded by urging Nigerians to verify information before sharing it and cautioned against attributing misleading statements or actions to its General Overseer.
Reactions
The statement has generated mixed reactions online.
Some supporters argued that Pastor Adeboye has consistently focused on spiritual leadership and should not be blamed for decisions made by broader Christian organisations.
Others maintained that influential religious leaders should speak more forcefully on national issues affecting citizens.
Several commentators welcomed the clarification, saying it helps separate PFN decisions from personal actions attributed to Pastor Adeboye.
Critics, however, insisted that religious leaders with large followings have a responsibility to publicly address insecurity and governance concerns more directly.
Published by Ejoh Caleb
