Ezekwesili backs Adeboye, says he has spoken out on Nigeria's issues

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has come to the defense of Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. She responded to claims that Adeboye has not spoken about Nigeria’s problems. Ezekwesili said the cleric has consistently addressed issues like insecurity, governance, and restructuring over the years.

In a statement shared on social media on Thursday, Ezekwesili pointed out that Adeboye publicly discussed national matters during different administrations, regardless of who was president at the time.

She argued that the real question is not whether the cleric spoke out, but if Nigerians listened to what he had to say. "No, Pastor Adeboye is not our problem. He speaks. He spoke in the 1990s. He spoke in the early 2000s. He spoke in 2010. He spoke in 2020. He spoke in 2025," she wrote.

Ezekwesili mentioned comments made by Adeboye during a Holy Ghost Service in November 2025. During that service, he reportedly urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take strong action against insecurity. "You can only advise the Commander-in-Chief; you cannot command him. But I’ve tried. God is my witness," Adeboye said.

"Tell our security chiefs to get rid of these terrorists within 90 days or resign," she quoted him as saying. She also noted that Adeboye called for the removal of terrorists and their sponsors, no matter their status or influence.

The former minister referred to comments made by Adeboye on October 1, 2020, during a governance forum. This forum was organized by the RCCG and the Nehemiah Leadership Institute to celebrate Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary. At this event, Adeboye reportedly criticized parts of Nigeria’s governance structure and pushed for restructuring.

"It is ridiculous that a traditional ruler must inform a local government chairman before he travels," he was quoted as saying. Adeboye also warned that Nigeria needed urgent reforms to stay united.

"We all know that we must restructure. It is either we restructure or we break. You don’t have to be a prophet to know that. Now, we don’t want to break up, God forbid," he said.

Ezekwesili argued that Adeboye’s comments over the years show he has always spoken truth to power about issues affecting the country. She added that Nigerians should focus on acting on these messages and pushing for reforms instead of questioning if influential leaders have spoken up.

"The real question becomes: What are we all now going to do about it?" she asked. Ezekwesili closed by calling on citizens to come together to face the country's challenges and support efforts for real reforms and national development.