Stop Pressuring Pastor Adeboye Over Pres.Tinubu-Pastor Odesola
The Continental Overseer for Continent 3 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Joseph Odesola, has urged Nigerians not to pressure the church’s General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, to speak against President Bola Tinubu.
Odesola said Adeboye would address Nigeria’s political and economic situation when he considered the timing appropriate. He made the position known in an article published by Impact Nigeria on Monday and shared on his X page.
The article, titled “Pastor E.A. Adeboye Will Speak Only When God Says Speak,” addressed growing calls for the RCCG leader to comment on the Tinubu administration.
He said some Nigerians were not simply waiting for Adeboye to speak but had already decided what they wanted him to say. Odesola noted that some expected the pastor to condemn Tinubu, insult him or make religious pronouncements against his government.
He argued that such expectations did not reflect how a responsible Christian leader should operate. According to him, Adeboye has built a reputation for speaking from conviction, prayer and spiritual responsibility.
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Odesola said a man of God should not speak merely because the public demands it. He drew a distinction between responding to public pressure and speaking after prayer and spiritual conviction.
He also argued that religious leaders should not become tools for advancing political interests. Odesola said the church should be able to challenge those in power without becoming an opposition platform or political party.
He maintained that Adeboye should not be pressured to attack Tinubu simply because some Nigerians believe that doing so would demonstrate courage. Odesola said criticism does not become stronger through insults, while anger should not be confused with spiritual authority.
The RCCG overseer also cited Ecclesiastes 3:1, which speaks about a time for every purpose. He used the scripture to stress that there is a proper time to speak and a time to remain silent.
Odesola further argued that Adeboye does not need sensational statements to prove his courage or spiritual authority. He said the RCCG leader should not make public pronouncements merely to satisfy social media expectations or generate headlines.
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He acknowledged that Nigeria needs religious leaders who can address pressing issues such as insecurity, poverty, unemployment, rising living costs, education, healthcare and declining public trust. However, he urged such leaders to approach those issues with responsibility.
Odesola said religious leaders should tell the government the truth without hatred and challenge opposition politicians without fear. He also said they should provide encouragement to Nigerians facing difficult economic conditions.
He urged Nigerians to give Adeboye room to pray, listen and discern before making any public statement. Odesola said the RCCG leader should speak when he believes he has received a message he ought to deliver.
He added that Adeboye’s decision not to make a statement expected by some Nigerians should not automatically be viewed as a failure of leadership. According to Odesola, a servant of God is ultimately expected to obey God rather than satisfy public expectations.
source: Punch News
Content Credit: Azeez Amosun
Image Credit: Google
