Adeboye Did Not Protest Against Jonathan’s Administration

By Udodirim Oti

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has dismissed viral social media claims that he led a protest against former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

According to a statement posted on the official X handle of RCCG Public Relations, the church said a photograph being circulated online was taken out of context. The photo of Adeboye with a placard was taken during a Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) walk in the Buhari era, not during Jonathan’s administration.

The church explained that churches across Nigeria were instructed to hold peaceful walks after Sunday services to draw attention to the killing of Christians and to urge government to protect lives and property.

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The walk in Ebute Metta, Lagos, where Pastor Adeboye was photographed carrying a placard, was part of that nationwide exercise. “It was neither organized against President Goodluck Jonathan nor connected in any way to his administration,” RCCG stated.

The church expressed concern that photos from the event, which received wide media coverage at the time, were being recycled years later in a misleading context.

RCCG clarified that Adeboye’s message during the walk focused on the sanctity of human life and protection for all Nigerians, regardless of religion. His placard reflected the belief that “every life matters to God” and called for the protection of both Christians and Muslims.

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Addressing criticism that the cleric had not spoken forcefully on national issues, RCCG said it was unrealistic to expect him to direct the President or First Lady on governance matters. “Pastor Adeboye is a clergyman, not the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” the church said.

RCCG reiterated that Pastor Adeboye’s role is spiritual leadership, moral guidance, and counsel within the limits of his office. “Neither Pastor Adeboye nor RCCG is responsible for Nigeria’s current challenges. The church is not a political party and does not serve as the religious arm of any political organization,” the statement concluded.