Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has sparked controversy with his claim that Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), is building business centres rather than religious institutions.
Falana made the statement during an interview with Sahara TV, where he criticized the increasing commercialisation of religion in Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians to differentiate between true spirituality and what he described as mere religiosity.
According to Falana, Pastor Adeboye’s recent remark about opening more churches to ensure accessibility within walking distances for congregants is indicative of turning the church into a business enterprise rather than a spiritual haven.
“Opening more churches for people to easily walk to is essentially establishing more business centres, not religious institutions,” Falana asserted, calling for introspection among Nigerians about the role of religion in society.
The lawyer’s comment has drawn mixed reactions on social media, with users engaging in a heated debate over his remarks.
One user, @official_devon91, defended RCCG, stating, “Old fool. What’s your business? RCCG helped me as a drummer throughout the four years of my first degree.”
Another, @suparay_dike, referenced Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, writing, “Fela also sang that a lawyer who doesn’t know his work is suwegbe.”
Others criticized Falana, with @amkleb calling on Pastor Adeboye to sue the lawyer for defamation:
“Pastor Adeboye, please sue him for defaming you.” Similarly, @iam_luciouss remarked, “Can Adeboye sue for defamation? Because VDM [Very Dark Man] didn’t even say as much, yet people panicked like headless chickens.”
However, some supported Falana’s perspective, including @oosha.e, who said, “Personally, I don’t take Redeemed Church members seriously.”
The debate underscores the polarizing discussions around the influence of religious institutions in Nigeria and their role in societal development. As of press time, Pastor Adeboye and the RCCG leadership are yet to respond to Falana’s statements.
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