At 84, Adeboye too old to lead protest against govt — RCCG

By David Adebayo

The The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has defended its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, amid growing criticism over his perceived silence on the country’s worsening challenges, saying the 84-year-old cleric should not be expected to lead protests against the government.

In a statement issued in response to viral claims online, RCCG clarified that a widely circulated photograph showing Pastor Adeboye holding a placard was not taken during a protest against former President Goodluck Jonathan, contrary to claims being shared on social media.

The church explained that the image was captured during a peaceful nationwide walk organised under the directive of the Christian Association of Nigeria during the administration of late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to RCCG, churches across the country participated in the walk to draw attention to the killings of Christians and to urge the government to protect innocent lives.

“The walk in Ebute Metta, where Pastor Adeboye participated, was part of that nationwide exercise. It was neither organised against President Goodluck Jonathan nor connected in any way to his administration,” the church stated.

RCCG said it was unfair for some Nigerians to demand that the cleric should directly confront political authorities over the nation’s problems, stressing that Pastor Adeboye is “a clergyman, not the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”

The church maintained that while citizens have the right to seek solutions to the country’s mounting insecurity and economic hardship, expecting the revered preacher to “command” the President or the First Lady on governance matters was “unrealistic and unreasonable.”

“At 84 years old, Pastor Adeboye continues to provide spiritual leadership, moral counsel, and national guidance within the limits of his office as a minister of the Gospel,” the statement added.

RCCG also pointed out that the cleric has not remained silent on national matters, recalling that during the November 2025 Holy Ghost Service, Pastor Adeboye openly advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently tackle the country’s worsening insecurity.

The church quoted him as warning that terrorists and their sponsors must be decisively dealt with before foreign nations find reasons to interfere in Nigeria’s internal affairs.

“When they eliminate the terrorists, ask them to eliminate their sponsors too,” Pastor Adeboye was quoted as saying.

RCCG further stressed that neither the church nor Pastor Adeboye should be blamed for Nigeria’s current situation, noting that the church “is not a political party” and “not the religious arm of any political party in Nigeria.”

The church urged Nigerians to verify information concerning Pastor Adeboye through RCCG’s official communication channels before sharing such claims online.