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Adeboye backs Remi Tinubu’s RCCG pastor title
Despite mounting pressure from various quarters, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has stated that Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, will continue to hold her position as an ordained pastor in the church.
Adeboye made the clarification during the church’s monthly Holy Ghost Service, explaining that Mrs Tinubu was ordained as an Assistant Pastor more than a decade ago—well before her husband, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emerged as a presidential contender.
He noted that her ordination followed the church’s established procedures and emphasised that she had not violated any of its doctrines or regulations.
The cleric also dismissed calls from some quarters demanding that she be stripped of the title, stressing that the church would not yield to external pressure on internal matters.
Adeboye further rejected claims that the church is aligned with any political interest, reiterating that it remains a place of worship open to all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation.
He made the clarification during the May edition of the church’s Holy Ghost Service, themed ‘Excellent Counsel,’ where he responded to public perceptions linking the RCCG with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adeboye said such assumptions overlook the diverse political representation within the church.
“Some people are saying RCCG is an APC church. I just smile. In RCCG, you will find a governor from the Peoples Democratic Party sitting down with a governor from the Labour Party, APC, and APGA.
“By the special help of God, we are representative of the whole nation, and that is what we will continue to be,” he said.
He stressed that the pulpit is not used for political expression, regardless of the status of worshippers present.
According to him, church activities are focused on prayer and worship rather than political engagement or announcements.
“If you saw one governor among us today dancing and you were expecting he would be called forward to say something, we don’t do that. But if you come to worship with us, you are welcome. Our duty is to pray for everybody,” he added.
The cleric also commented on Nigeria’s political future, particularly the 2027 general election, stating that ultimate outcomes are already known in the divine order.
“The one that will rule has been decided by God before we were born. He knows the end from the beginning,” he said, urging citizens to remain prayerful while fulfilling their responsibilities.
Adeboye further addressed his participation in past civic protests, explaining that his involvement was based on directives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
“That was because the then chairman of CAN asked all Christians to go out for a peaceful protest. If he talks tomorrow and asks me to march, I will,” he said.
He emphasised that his public actions are guided by the umbrella Christian body on national issues affecting believers.