The Redeemed Christian Church of God’s Continental Overseer for Continent 3, Pastor Joseph Odesola, has appealed to Nigerians to stop pressuring the church’s General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, to publicly criticise President Bola Tinubu.
Odesola said Adeboye would address Nigeria’s political and economic situation only when he believed it was the right time, stressing that the cleric should not be compelled to make statements based on public expectations.
He made the remarks in an article published by Impact Nigeria on Monday and shared on his X account with the caption, “Pastor E.A. Adeboye Will Speak Only When God Says Speak.”
According to Odesola, some Nigerians waiting for Adeboye to comment on Tinubu’s administration were not simply seeking his views but had already decided what they wanted him to say.
“Some people are waiting eagerly for Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye to speak about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. But it appears that they are not merely waiting for him to speak; they already have a script they want him to follow.”
He said some expected the RCCG leader to insult Tinubu, strongly condemn his administration or make religious pronouncements against him.
“But that is not Pastor Adeboye. And, more importantly, that is not how a responsible servant of God should operate.”
Odesola maintained that a religious leader should not speak merely because the public demands it, noting that there was a distinction between political commentary and spiritual responsibility.
“A man of God does not have to speak simply because people are demanding that he speak.”
“There is a difference between speaking because the crowd is shouting and speaking because one has something meaningful to say.
“There is also a difference between political commentary and prophetic responsibility.”
The RCCG overseer said Adeboye could decide to speak, pray, counsel or remain silent depending on what he believed was appropriate, citing Ecclesiastes 3:1 on the importance of timing.
He also cautioned against turning religious leaders into tools for advancing political interests.
“A genuine servant of God should not become the mouthpiece of any political camp.”
Odesola argued that the church could hold government accountable without becoming an opposition platform, insisting that Adeboye should not be pushed into attacking Tinubu to satisfy those who equate criticism with Christian courage.
“Pastor Adeboye should therefore not be pressured to insult President Tinubu simply because some people believe that is what a ‘bold’ Christian leader ought to do.”
He further argued that criticism does not become more effective when expressed through anger or insults.
“Truth does not become more powerful because it is delivered with insults. A curse does not become a prophecy simply because it is pronounced from a pulpit. And anger should never be mistaken for spiritual authority.”
Odesola acknowledged that Nigerians need religious leaders to speak about challenges including insecurity, unemployment, poverty, rising living costs, healthcare and education.
He, however, called for such interventions to be made responsibly.
“Nigeria needs voices that can tell the government the truth without hatred. We need voices that can challenge opposition politicians without fear.
“We need leaders who can comfort ordinary Nigerians who are struggling.”
He urged Nigerians to give Adeboye room to pray, reflect and determine whether and when to make a public statement.
“Let Pastor Adeboye pray. Let him listen. Let him discern. And when he has something he believes God has instructed him to say, let him say it with the courage of conviction.”
Odesola added that Adeboye’s silence should not automatically be interpreted as a failure of leadership.
“A servant of God is not called to satisfy the expectations of the crowd. He is called to obey God.”
He concluded by urging those expecting Adeboye to attack Tinubu or issue a dramatic pronouncement to stop attempting to dictate his message.
“Don’t write his script for him. He will speak when he believes he should speak. He will pray when he believes he should pray. And if God has not told him to say what the crowd wants to hear, he should have the courage to say nothing at all.”