RCCG: Group tells Adeboye to retake general overseer role or be dragged to court
A non-governmental group has threatened to drag Pastor Enoch Adeboye to court if he fails to rescind his decision to step down as general overseer of the Redeemd Christian Church of God (RCCG), Nigeria.
A government code designed by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) forced Adeboye to step down on Saturday.
Under that code, leaders of churches registered as charities cannot stay in their administrative posts for more than 20 years or after age 70. They also cannot pass such leadership to family members. Adeboye, who was made general overseer in 1981, stepped aside ahead of his 75th birthday on March 2, but he remains the overall head and “Global Missioner” for RCCG.
Many Nigerian Christians expressed shock at the said code which they claim was President Muhammadu Buhari’s way of meddling in “the affairs of God”.
Barely 48 hours after Adeboye’s exit, the Presidency not only dissolved FRCN’s board but also suspended the code that forced Adeboye out.
Abuja-based Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) says Adeboye must now return as RCCG, Nigeria general overseer or face litigation.
“CASER urges the highly revered Pastor Adeboye to change his mind and rescind his resignation as the General Overseer of RCCG,” group executive director Frank Tietie said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Where, therefore, the holy man of God refuses to review his decision to resign, CASER shall seek an order of court to compel him to remain as the general overseer.”
Many call the “threat” ridiculous.
