Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has addressed a viral photo that sparked controversy among Nigerians. The photo, taken during a 2020 prayer walk, showed Adeboye carrying a placard that read "All Souls Are Precious to God." The image was widely shared and misinterpreted as a protest against former President Goodluck Jonathan. Adeboye, 84, clarified the circumstances surrounding the photo during the church's November Thanksgiving service on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
According to Adeboye, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) chairman had directed all churches to hold a prayer walk near their churches, which led him to participate in the exercise. He emphasized that the date of the prayer walk, February 2, 2020, contradicts the claim that it was a protest against Jonathan, who had left office in 2015. Adeboye accused a journalist of twisting the story and urged people to investigate before taking stories to the press. He admitted to carrying a placard but denied that it was a protest against the former president.
The clarification comes amid criticism from some Nigerians who have questioned why Adeboye has not publicly challenged President Bola Tinubu over insecurity and economic hardship. In recent months, several individuals, including rapper Eedris Abdulkareem and singer Spyro, have criticized prominent spiritual leaders for their silence on these issues. Adeboye's explanation has sparked a renewed debate about the role of religious leaders in speaking out against social and economic challenges.
The RCCG has rejected claims that Adeboye has been silent on issues of insecurity, corruption, economic hardship, elections, and governance. The church pointed to several instances where Adeboye has spoken out on these issues, including a November 2025 video where he condemned the security situation and gave the government a 90-day deadline to act. Christian filmmaker Mike Bamiloye also defended Adeboye, citing the cleric's history of speaking out on social issues.
The controversy surrounding Adeboye's photo highlights the challenges faced by religious leaders in navigating complex social and political issues. As a prominent figure in Nigeria, Adeboye's actions and statements are closely scrutinized by the public. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before sharing it, as misinformation can spread quickly and have serious consequences.
Adeboye's prayer walk was part of a broader effort by CAN to address issues of insecurity and killings in Nigeria. The exercise was held after a three-day fast and was attended by RCCG members in Lagos. The placard carried by Adeboye was intended to emphasize the value of human life and the need for prayer and action to address the country's security challenges.
The incident has sparked a renewed focus on Adeboye's role as a spiritual leader and his engagement with social and political issues. As the country continues to grapple with challenges of insecurity and economic hardship, the public will be watching closely to see how Adeboye and other religious leaders respond.
Key points
- Pastor Adeboye clarifies that the viral photo was taken during a 2020 prayer walk, not a protest against former President Jonathan.
- Adeboye accuses a journalist of misrepresenting the circumstances surrounding the photo.
- The incident highlights the challenges faced by religious leaders in navigating complex social and political issues in Nigeria.
