Pastor E.A Adeboye, The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God handed over the RCCG Nigeria to Pastor Obayemi at the church's Annual Thanksgiving last saturday morning. He stated that no sooner than later, Pastor W.F Kumuyi of the Deeper Life Christian Ministry, Bishop Mike Okonkwo of the TREM and Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church will soon comply also with the Financial Regulatory Council policy that insists on 20 years leadership for all heads of religious organisations in Nigeria.
Now the RCCG is a Nigerian church in 192 countries of the world with millions of members mostly Nigerians spread across the globe. The General Overseer, Pastor E.A Adeboye, a doctor of applied mathematics has been the head of the church since 1981. However, Pastor Adeboye's compliance action has met with sharp criticisms and praise from Nigerians of various faiths. One of such critics is Professor Ishaq Oloyede of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs who said and I quote "When I read it in a daily today, I felt a bit disturbed that they were not honest enough to say that this is not a new law. I think some people are just hell bent in creating sensation and discrediting the government. It is unfair.....The impression was being given as if the present government created the law."
I read and analyzed the words of this professor and had every reason to smile. Pastor E.A. Adeboye of the RCCG leadership appointed Pastor Obayemi of the RCCG too at an RCCG Annual Thanksgiving (in Lagos) in compliance with the rule of law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria where the RCCG headquarters is.
So My question is -By obeying a simple law, how has Pastor Adeboye become dishonest?... Is it in obeying the law that he became dishonest? Is publicizing a law the core deliverable of Pastor Adeboye? Did Pastor Adeboye break any law by complying with this law? Could telling the people that a law is new or not be as important as obeying that law? Were we not taught in law that obedience to the rules is the most essential? In what way has Pastor Adeboye's action in compliance with the law discredited this government? Why should the obedience to the law by Pastor Adeboye be a disturbing concern for Ishaq Oloyede? In what way has Pastor Adeboye's compliance politicized anything or discredited this government? What you cannot open your mouth to say to the Sultan, a professor opens his mouth to say to leaders of other faiths and smiles away. He even alleges the pastor of sharing sensational information.
I have mingled widely and seen how Muslims in Northern Nigeria carry the Sultan. I have seen how buddhists carry their spiritual heads and Gautama Buddha. I have seen how Ifa worshippers globally carry Professor Wande Abimbola, Chief Elebuibon,the late Suzan Wenger and the likes. Infact, in Benin City, there are some faiths that never speaks ill of the Oba of Benin even in their closets. I need not tell you anymore about how tenderly hinduists treat their spiritual leaders. Neither do I have to tell you how catholics carry their Pope! Now, this respect also comes with tolerance for other spiritual leaders which completely contradicts the responses of Professor Oloyede.
This statement by Ishaq Oloyede alleging Pastor Adeboye of dishonesty is most sensational. I believe very strongly that Ishaq Oloyede crossed the ambits of his own religion to allege other spiritual leaders of dishonesty for complying with the laws of the land. Religious leaders should not be uncouth. Voluntary compliance to the rule of law should be welcomed always. Ishaq Oloyede should be thinking of how to ensure that people of his faith comply with the law instead of alleging others of dishonesty. Like it was said in one of the documentaries of the legendary Boxer, Muhammad Ali, “A man’s religion is his business.” Simple! And vice versa.
Like Professor Wole Soyinka recently qualified it, For the millipedes of the internet that crawl with their hands and legs to say something about every pastor leaving slime of insults on them even for their obedience to the rule of law, I think it is necessary to let them know that gone are the days that all pastors MUST be poor. Funny people who know how to use 2m to do charms, enchantments and occultic reinforcements opens their mouths to bully Christians for going to a church of their choice No pastor flogs you to pay tithes. Neither do they put their hands in your pockets. A major beauty of Christianity is that you are only encouraged to do almost everything. You cannot be forced. If you need a poor pastor, go out there and find one. If you hate tithes, offering, dont go to church or go to church and don’t give. Infact, you can even log online and enjoy yourself virtually before your God without stepping into church. Many of us are unapologetic Christians. If the Bible says so, we will do so. God should handle the rest.
But one thing has amazed me. Since Pastor Adeboye complied to the law and these stupid criticisms started, some well known pastors in Nigeria have stayed silent! Same mode will i be too after this but really“Mind your Business” should be a law in Nigeria.lol
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| Pastor E.A Adeboye of the RCCG |
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