The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has said that Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, will continue in her role as a pastor in the church, despite public discussions around it.
Speaking during a church programme, Adeboye explained that the First Lady was ordained as an Assistant Pastor many years ago, long before her husband, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, became president or even showed interest in the position. He stressed that her ordination followed due process and that she has not done anything to go against the church’s rules.
He also made it clear that the church would not be pressured into taking action against her, adding that RCCG does not belong to any political group. According to him, members of different political parties attend the church, but politicians are not allowed to use the altar for campaigns.
Adeboye further stated that the next leader of Nigeria is already known to God, while also addressing concerns about insecurity in the North, saying the church has been supporting affected Christians through welfare efforts and camps for displaced persons.
However, his comments quickly drew strong reactions online, with many Nigerians sharing different views on the matter.
Some people questioned the church’s decision and motives. One user, @ozoveheomeiza1, wrote, “Ask yourself, why did a church ordain someone who’s married to a partner of another faith? The churches just do what they like, not what God would want them to.”
Others showed frustration over what they see as misplaced priorities. @Thoughtsmin12 wrote, “How is that our problem, we just want God to help us vote out her husband,” while @jighson claimed, “There are many evil APC using your church as cover… we are saying your church and APC are one.”
There were also general criticisms about religion and politics. @6thBlord_Surker said, “APC pastors? I never take them seriously anymore,” and @adewale_annie added, “Keep politics out of religion… our politicians are using religion to manipulate the country.”
On the other hand, some users supported the cleric’s position. @El_Jaheem wrote, “On this one I agree with the G.O. RCCG! Nigerians always having misplaced priorities. What does her ordination has to do with Nigeria’s challenges?”
Similarly, @NyongYire simply stated, “Keep her. It’s your church,” showing that not everyone sees it as a public concern.
As reactions continue to pour in, the issue has once again brought up the sensitive discussion around the connection between religion and politics in Nigeria.
Credit: GwG
