Don’t Pressure Adeboye to Speak Against Tinubu, RCCG Overseer Odesola Tells Nigerians

August 18, 2026 — The debate over the role of religious leaders in Nigeria’s political affairs has taken a new turn after Pastor Joseph Odesola, the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s (RCCG) Continental Overseer for Continent 3, urged Nigerians to stop pressuring Pastor Enoch Adeboye to publicly criticise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Odesola said Adeboye would speak about Nigeria’s political and economic situation when he believes the time is right, rather than responding to public pressure or political expectations.

Odesola: Adeboye Should Not Be Given a Political Script

In an article titled “Pastor E.A. Adeboye Will Speak Only When God Says Speak,” Odesola argued that some Nigerians are not simply waiting for Adeboye to comment on the Tinubu administration but already have an idea of what they want the respected cleric to say.

According to Odesola, some people expect Adeboye to condemn Tinubu, use strong language against the President or make religious pronouncements about the administration.

He argued that such expectations should not determine when or how a religious leader speaks.

‘A Man of God Does Not Have to Speak Because People Demand It’

Odesola stressed that religious leadership should be guided by conviction and spiritual responsibility rather than the demands of the crowd.

He distinguished between political commentary and what he described as prophetic responsibility, saying a religious leader should not make public statements simply because people are demanding them.

The RCCG overseer also cited Ecclesiastes 3:1, which speaks about there being a time for different purposes, including a time to speak and a time to remain silent.

Church Should Not Become an Opposition Political Platform

Odesola also warned against turning religious institutions into instruments for political campaigns.

He said the church should be capable of speaking truth to power without becoming an opposition political party or serving as a platform for any particular political camp.

According to him, religious leaders should be able to challenge government policies when necessary while also avoiding hatred, insults and partisan political rhetoric.

Nigeria Still Needs Religious Leaders to Speak

While defending Adeboye's decision to speak when he considers it appropriate, Odesola acknowledged that Nigerians need responsible voices addressing the country's challenges.

He referenced issues including poverty, insecurity, unemployment, rising living costs, education, healthcare and declining public trust as matters that deserve attention.

However, he maintained that criticism of government does not have to involve insults or anger to be effective.

Adeboye Should Not Speak to Satisfy Social Media

Odesola further argued that Adeboye does not need to make sensational statements simply because Nigerians or social media users are demanding them.

He maintained that the RCCG General Overseer should be allowed to pray, listen and discern before deciding whether to make a public statement.

The overseer said Adeboye's silence should not automatically be interpreted as a failure of leadership.

Political Debate Around Adeboye

Pastor Adeboye has remained an influential figure in Nigeria's religious and public life, making his comments on national issues closely watched by Nigerians.

His perceived silence on some aspects of the Tinubu administration has generated debate, with some Nigerians arguing that prominent religious leaders should be more vocal about issues affecting ordinary citizens.

Odesola's intervention is therefore likely to fuel further discussion about the appropriate relationship between religion, politics and governance in Nigeria.

Final Thoughts

Pastor Joseph Odesola's message is essentially a call for Nigerians to allow Pastor Enoch Adeboye to determine when and how he addresses national political issues.

While citizens have the right to expect accountability from government and to seek the opinions of influential religious leaders, Odesola argues that religious leaders should not be pressured into delivering predetermined political messages.

For now, the RCCG overseer says Nigerians should allow Adeboye to make his own decision about when to speak — and what to say — based on his convictions and spiritual responsibilities.

The statement is likely to keep the debate alive over whether Nigeria's influential religious leaders should take a more active role in challenging government policies and holding political leaders accountable.