A dramatic video circulating online has ignited controversy within Nigeria’s religious and political spheres.
In the footage, a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) alleges that Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the revered General Overseer of the church, abruptly cancelled a planned nationwide protest against insecurity after receiving instructions from Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The Planned Prayer Walk and Protest
According to the church member, Pastor Adeboye had initially directed congregations across the country to embark on a one-day prayer walk beginning Friday and culminating in a peaceful demonstration on Sunday.
The initiative was framed as a spiritual response to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
Members were instructed to avoid placards bearing abusive or inflammatory messages.
The emphasis was on prayer, unity, and peaceful witness rather than confrontation.
Sudden Cancellation by Adeboye
However, the member claims that upon arriving at church, a new directive was issued: the protest had been cancelled.
“Daddy has cancelled it.
“The pastor said the wife of the president of this country gave an order that the protest should be stopped.
“Daddy obeyed. Camp President obeyed. BFM President obeyed. They all complied,” the church member lamented in the video.
The speaker’s tone was one of anguish and betrayal.
He accused church leaders, including Adeboye, of bowing to political pressure rather than standing firm for the safety of their congregants and the wider Nigerian public.
“We are no longer safe. We are doomed. The church is finished. The ministry is finished. Everything is finished.
“What is painful is that they have silenced us. They have silenced our voices,” the member declared.
Reactions and Implications
The video has sparked heated debate online, with many Nigerians questioning the independence of religious institutions and their willingness to speak truth to power.
Critics argue that the cancellation reflects a troubling compromise, suggesting that political influence has penetrated even the most respected churches.
Others, however, defend Adeboye’s decision.
It suggests that caution may have been necessary to avoid confrontation with state authorities or to prevent escalation that could endanger worshippers.
Broader Context for Adeboye, RCCG, Church
This revelation comes at a time when insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.
Communities across the country are grappling with kidnappings, banditry, and violence.
The RCCG, one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal churches, has historically played a significant role in shaping public discourse.
Hence, its silence—or perceived silencing—on such a critical issue raises questions about the balance between faith, politics, and civil society.
The incident underscores the delicate position of religious leaders in Nigeria.
They are revered by millions yet often caught between spiritual responsibilities and political realities.
Watch the video made in Yoruba language below:
Transcript of the Attack on Adeboye
See a full transcript of the video to English:
“Last Sunday, our father in the Lord told us that we should hold a one-day prayer walk which started on Friday and ended on Saturday.
Then on Sunday, during services across the country in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, he told us we should all participate.
So, we were preparing for a peaceful protest walk together with church members. We were told not to carry placards with abusive or insulting inscriptions on them.
Then our pastor told us something. Immediately I got to church today, I received another message.
The message now said we should not protest again. Daddy has cancelled it.
Now, you want me to stand against the church of God? I will never do that because I believe in Jesus Christ.
But our pastor told us that we should obey. Because what God says is what I will tell you.
The pastor said the wife of the president of this country gave an order that the protest should be stopped. Daddy obeyed.
Camp President obeyed. BFM President obeyed. They all complied.
And now you are telling us that the church is safe? I am a teacher in Oyo State. Ogbomoso is very close to us.
We are no longer safe. We are doomed. The church is finished. The ministry is finished. Everything is finished.
What is painful is that they have silenced us. They have silenced our voices.
Because they have influence. What did they use their influence for? Instead of helping the masses.
Ah! Now I have started believing what people say about some ministers of God — that many of them are corrupt. Daddy obeyed. Everybody obeyed.
The church was supposed to be a safe place, but now even the church has become compromised. Even pastors have compromised. Pastors have compromised Christianity itself.
Especially pastors in Ogbomoso. Everybody obeyed. Everybody has destroyed this ministry. They have ruined everything. They have silenced our voices completely.
When they first told us that Redeemed wanted to protest, I supported it. But suddenly they cancelled it.
Even though I love Redeemed, I cannot deny the truth anymore.
That is all I have to say.”
