Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
A senior cleric and long-time disciple of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has defended the revered church leader against growing criticism on social media, insisting that the octogenarian cleric has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress and spiritual wellbeing for more than five decades.
Apostle Simeon Olayinka, who described himself as one of Adeboye’s earliest disciples, said recent attempts by some social media commentators to portray the renowned preacher in a negative light stem from a lack of understanding of his longstanding contributions to nation-building and spiritual revival.
In a public statement, Olayinka expressed concern that Nigerians were increasingly focusing on what he termed peripheral issues while ignoring the more pressing challenges facing the country.
Citing biblical injunctions on respecting elders and speaking out when necessary, the cleric said he felt compelled to respond to criticisms directed at Pastor Adeboye, whom he described as not only a religious leader but also a patriot and national figure.
According to Olayinka, many younger Nigerians and others outside the church community have developed misconceptions about Adeboye and some of his actions, leading to controversies that he believes are largely rooted in misunderstanding.
“I am not sent by anybody to write this,” he stated. “But I am directed by the Spirit of God to save some people from offending wrongly.”
He lamented what he described as a tendency among Nigerians not to appreciate their heroes while they are still alive.
Early Passion for Nigeria
Reflecting on his years under Adeboye’s mentorship, Olayinka said he was among the original students of the School of Disciples established by the pastor in the 1970s.
He recalled that even before Adeboye became the General Overseer of RCCG, his passion for Nigeria’s peace, stability and development was evident.
According to him, nearly 49 years ago, Adeboye introduced a prayer routine that disciples were encouraged to observe daily as a demonstration of their love for the nation.
The prayer, offered before meals, included petitions for God’s provision and protection, as well as specific requests for Nigeria’s deliverance from evil, national revival and divine intervention in the country’s affairs.
Olayinka said some of those early disciples have remained faithful to the practice decades later.
The prayer also included requests for the growth and global expansion of RCCG, which he noted has since become a worldwide ministry with a presence in numerous countries.
Campaign Against Cultism
The cleric further credited Adeboye with playing a significant role in reducing cult-related activities in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
He recalled that at a time when cultism posed a serious challenge across universities and other higher institutions, Adeboye actively took the Christian message to campuses nationwide.
According to Olayinka, many students embraced Christianity through those outreach efforts and subsequently abandoned cult-related activities.
“As a result of this, the menace of cultism has drastically reduced in our institutions till today,” he asserted.
Light Up Nigeria Initiative
Olayinka also pointed to a series of evangelical and prayer programmes organised by Adeboye across the country in recent years as further evidence of his concern for Nigeria’s future.
The initiatives, held under banners such as Light Up Nigeria, Light Up Abuja, Light Up Ibadan and Light Up Ilorin, have brought together thousands of worshippers and intercessors to pray for national transformation and spiritual renewal.
He described the programmes as practical demonstrations of Adeboye’s love not only for Nigeria but also for humanity at large.
“All these efforts are nothing but a demonstration of his passionate love for Nigeria and the world,” he said.
Call for Understanding
While acknowledging that those involved in religious work do not seek public praise, Olayinka argued that it was unfair to condemn individuals without a proper understanding of their contributions.
He urged both Christians and non-Christians, particularly younger Nigerians, to refrain from what he described as unnecessary blame and criticism.
According to him, Pastor Adeboye should not be judged solely through the lens of political activism or public demonstrations.
He maintained that different individuals are called to contribute to national development in different ways, noting that street protests may be appropriate for some people but not necessarily for religious leaders who believe they have been directed by God to pursue other forms of engagement.
“Pastor Adeboye is not just a religious leader, but a patriot and a national leader,” Olayinka said.
He added that the ultimate goal shared by all well-meaning Nigerians is to see the country overcome its current challenges and attain lasting peace, stability and prosperity.
Expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, the cleric concluded with a prayer for divine intervention and national restoration, declaring his belief that the country’s challenges would eventually be overcome through God’s grace.
“God bless Nigeria,” he said.
