Founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Mike Bamiloye, has defended the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye, amid criticism over his stance on insecurity and calls for public protests.
Bamiloye made the remarks in a post on his Instagram page following renewed debate surrounding Adeboye’s comments on insecurity and allegations that he called off a planned protest.
The controversy intensified after Adeboye released a video urging the administration of President Bola Tinubu to give security chiefs a 90-day ultimatum to eliminate terrorists or resign from office.
In the video, the RCCG leader called for decisive action against terrorism and urged authorities to hold security agencies accountable for delivering results.
Reacting to criticism directed at the cleric, Bamiloye accused some bloggers and commentators of deliberately misrepresenting Adeboye’s position.
“This is what he said, many bloggers saw this, but they would project it. But he spoke against the evils,” Bamiloye wrote.
The evangelist argued that expectations for Adeboye to personally lead street demonstrations against the government were unrealistic given his age and spiritual responsibilities.
“And for all those who are expecting an 84-year-old man, servant of God, to lead a protest against a government, this does not make sense by virtue of his age and by the mandate of his calling,” he added.
Bamiloye’s comments come amid growing public debate over the role of religious leaders in addressing national challenges, particularly insecurity and economic hardship.
While some Nigerians have urged influential clerics to take a more active public stance on government policies and security issues, others argue that religious leaders can contribute through advocacy, prayers and moral guidance without necessarily leading protests.
The discussion follows recent reactions to RCCG’s clarification that Adeboye did not cancel any planned protest but merely communicated directives issued by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria regarding a nationwide prayer programme.
The church has also maintained that Adeboye remains politically neutral and has consistently encouraged members to participate in the democratic process by obtaining voter cards and voting according to their conscience.
Bamiloye’s intervention has further fueled online conversations about the expectations placed on religious leaders and their role in responding to national crises.
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