Ezekwesili supports Adeboye, says he has spoken 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 he has not spoken about Nigeria's problems. Ezekwesili said that Adeboye has consistently addressed issues like insecurity, governance, and restructuring over the years.

In a statement on social media on Thursday, Ezekwesili emphasized that Adeboye has publicly tackled national challenges during different administrations, no matter who was president at the time.

She pointed out that the real question is not whether the pastor spoke up but if Nigerians listened to what he said. "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 highlighted comments made by Adeboye during a Holy Ghost Service in November 2025. At that service, he reportedly urged President Bola Tinubu's government 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 was quoted as saying.

"Tell our security chiefs to get rid of these terrorists within 90 days or resign," he added. She noted that the pastor also called for the removal of terrorists and their backers, no matter their power or status.

The former minister also referenced Adeboye's comments on October 1, 2020. During a governance forum organized by the RCCG and Nehemiah Leadership Institute for Nigeria's 60th Independence Anniversary, Adeboye spoke critically about 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 reportedly warned that Nigeria needs 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 the pastor's words over the years show he has consistently spoken truth to power regarding the nation's problems. She believes Nigerians should focus on acting on these messages and pushing for reforms instead of questioning if leaders have spoken out.

"The real question becomes: What are we all now going to do about it?" she asked. Ezekwesili wrapped up by urging citizens to come together to tackle Nigeria's challenges and support efforts for meaningful reforms and national growth.