Controversy Erupts as RCCG's Pastor Adeboye Bows at Another Church's Pulpit in Ogun
A viral video capturing the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, at a thanksgiving service in Ogun state has ignited widespread debate and controversy across social media platforms. The footage, recorded on Monday, April 6, 2026, shows the prominent cleric attending the 70th birthday and thanksgiving service for former Ogun state governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel at Abraham Tabernacle in Sagamu.
Viral Moment Sparks Intense Online Reactions
The short clip, which quickly circulated online, depicts Pastor Adeboye walking from the altar area to the pulpit while being supported by his son, Leke Adeboye. However, the moment that captured significant attention and sparked controversy was when Adeboye appeared to bow in what many interpreted as an act of reverence to the tradition and sacredness of the church where the service was being held.
According to reports from PUNCH newspaper, Pastor Adeboye, who ministered at the event, described the former governor and current senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, as "quite an exceptional politician and original Omoluwabi." The event attracted numerous prominent figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was represented by his wife, Bola Obasanjo, along with Ademola Adeleke and traditional rulers such as the Olubadan of Ibadan and Oba Rasheed Ladoja.
Netizens Debate Religious Symbolism and Interpretation
The online reaction to the video has been intense and polarized, with many social media users expressing strong opinions about Pastor Adeboye's actions. Numerous commenters claimed that the RCCG leader bowed to a statue of Jesus Christ placed at the center of the church, leading to accusations of idol worship and theological inconsistency.
Social media platforms were flooded with comments questioning the religious implications of the gesture. One user, Husseinolakitan, commented: "He bowed for image..... that is idol worship." Another user, IamShola_best, asked: "What or who did he bowed to?" while cuteneka remarked: "That guy on the cross isn’t Jesus. Can Christians discard that picture in their worship?"
Further criticism came from NdukaNoelIkem, who stated: "When the big Churches use a symbol of white jesus on the cross. This is pure Baal worship oh, run oh! They have theological schools that teach only prosperity no research into the the truth. They seem to skip parts of the Bible that speak to colour and features of the real Jews."
Broader Context and Previous Controversies
This incident occurs within a broader context of Pastor Adeboye's public engagements and previous controversies. Legit.ng had previously reported that Pastor Adeboye recalled how he nearly lost his life seven years ago during an evangelism program due to poor road conditions, sharing this testimony at a Special Holy Ghost Service themed "Joy Unspeakable." That testimony also sparked debates on social media as netizens shared diverse opinions about its interpretation and significance.
The current controversy highlights ongoing discussions within Nigerian religious circles about appropriate worship practices, religious symbolism, and the boundaries between different Christian traditions. As one of Nigeria's most influential religious leaders, Pastor Adeboye's actions are frequently scrutinized and debated by both followers and critics alike.
The video continues to circulate widely, with religious commentators, theologians, and ordinary Nigerians weighing in on what the gesture means within the context of contemporary Nigerian Christianity and whether it represents a breach of theological principles or simply cultural respect within an interdenominational setting.
