“You’re Not Ready” — RCCG Replies Viral Call for Adeboye Protest

A heated social media exchange has emerged between the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and an X user identified as M.E. Bello, following renewed debates about the role of religious leaders in Nigeria’s political and economic discourse.

The conversation was triggered by criticism over the perceived differences in how RCCG General Overseer Enoch Adeboye engages with national issues under different administrations.

Some social media users had questioned why Pastor Adeboye appeared more publicly active during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, while under President Bola Tinubu, he has largely emphasized prayer and spiritual intervention.

RCCG Denies Protest Claims

In response, RCCG shared old video clips on its official social media platforms, insisting that Pastor Adeboye did not lead or participate in any protest against the Jonathan administration.

The church maintained that the event being referenced was a prayer walk, not a protest.

The disagreement escalated when M.E. Bello insisted that the event took place at the Redemption Camp, a claim RCCG disputed, stating that the prayer walk actually occurred in Ebute Metta, Lagos.

Social Media Exchange Escalates

The exchange intensified when Bello questioned the church’s position, asking whether the RCCG General Overseer had become “too old” to lead another protest or was simply avoiding public activism.

RCCG responded sharply, saying:

“An 84-year-old man should go lead a protest for your own future?….You are not ready.”

The comment quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from users across social media platforms.

Bello fired back, accusing the church leadership of contributing to voter apathy through some of its public statements during election periods.

He referenced past remarks attributed to Pastor Adeboye regarding elections and divine direction, arguing that such statements could discourage political participation among citizens.

Ongoing Debate Over Religion and Politics

The exchange has reignited broader discussions in Nigeria about the role of religious leaders in political discourse, especially during election periods.

While some argue that spiritual leaders should take stronger public positions on governance issues, others maintain that religious institutions should focus on prayer and moral guidance rather than political activism.

The RCCG has not issued any further statement following the viral exchange.