The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has opened up about why he continues to lead the church despite being eligible for retirement 14 years ago. Speaking during a sermon, the 84-year-old clergyman shared that he had detailed plans for his retirement, including traveling the world and writing a book to leave a legacy for future preachers.
Adeboye's Retirement Plans
Pastor Adeboye explained that he began preparing for his retirement years ago. 'I was supposed to have retired 14 years ago, and I had a great plan for my retirement. I was planning that I would travel throughout the world and that the gift God has given me is to take a passage in the Bible and expand it. I thought I would just sit down and begin from Genesis chapter one and keep on enlarging and writing it down so that by the time I die, wherever I've reached in the Bible will become a legacy, something that preachers can consult when they want to preach,' he said.
Divine Directive to Continue
However, Adeboye stated that he received a divine directive that it was not yet time for him to retire. 'But then God said you are not retiring yet. Well, I was wise enough to know that if I disobey, he has stopped talking to me before; I don't want him to stop talking to me,' he added.
Adeboye's Journey with RCCG
Pastor Adeboye joined RCCG in 1973 and served as an interpreter before being ordained as a pastor by Pa Josiah Akindayomi in 1975. He became the General Overseer of the church in 1981.
RCCG Defends Adeboye Against Criticism
In related news, RCCG recently defended its General Overseer following a series of negative narratives on social media amid insecurity in the country. In a statement released on June 2, 2026, the church condemned what it described as false narratives, deliberate misrepresentations, and misleading commentaries driven by personal interests. The church also refuted claims that Adeboye campaigned for the Tinubu administration, calling them false.
Other Clergy Leadership Succession
In a similar vein, the founder of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, has ruled out handing over leadership of the church to any of his children. In a viral video, he emphasized that the ministry is not a family enterprise but belongs to Jesus Christ, citing biblical references that neither Peter, Paul, nor John handed over the early church to their children.
