The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye, has declared that the church will not yield to pressure to remove Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, from her position as an ordained pastor.
Adeboye made the remarks during the church’s May Holy Ghost Service, themed “Excellent Counsel,” held at Redemption City along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
Addressing the congregation, the cleric dismissed claims that RCCG has political affiliations with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that the church remains a non-partisan place of worship open to Nigerians of all political backgrounds.
He explained that Mrs. Tinubu was ordained as an Assistant Pastor over a decade ago, well before her husband, Bola Tinubu, began his journey toward the presidency. According to him, her ordination followed due process and she has remained in good standing within the church.
“She was properly ordained many years ago, long before the political journey of her husband to the presidency began,” Adeboye said, adding that there has been no breach of RCCG doctrines or guidelines to warrant her removal.
The respected cleric emphasized that RCCG operates on established spiritual principles and would not make decisions based on political pressure or public agitation. He reiterated that the church welcomes individuals from across the political spectrum, including members of the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party Nigeria, and All Progressives Grand Alliance.
“By the special help of God, we are representatives of the whole nation, and that is what we will continue to be,” he said.
Adeboye further clarified that while politicians are free to worship in RCCG, the altar is not used as a platform for political expression. “If you come to worship with us, you are welcome. Our duty is to pray for everybody,” he added.
On Nigeria’s political future, the cleric offered a spiritual perspective on the 2027 general election, stating that the country’s next president has already been determined by God. He urged Nigerians to remain focused on prayer and personal responsibility.
Speaking on his past participation in public protests, Adeboye noted that his actions were in obedience to directives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). He affirmed his willingness to act under the guidance of the body on matters concerning Christians nationwide.
Adeboye also clarified that he does not consider himself a spiritual father to all Christians in Nigeria, describing his role as limited to leading RCCG.
“I am certified as being the father of RCCG, and that is enough assignment for me,” he said.
The comments come amid public reactions to statements by activist Omoyele Sowore, who had referred to Adeboye and other prominent clerics as spiritual fathers of Nigerian Christians.
