Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, has backtracked on his earlier statement calling on the Police to free detained Tiktoker, Olumide Ogunsanwo, aka ‘SeaKing’ over allegations of cyberbullying.
The Witness earlier reported that the Nigerian police in Lagos re-arrested SeaKing when he appeared for a separate trial at a magistrate’s court. His rearrest is linked to allegations of cyberbullying against Pastor Adeboye following the cleric’s remarks about church members’ 100-day fast.
In a TikTok post shared in December 2024, SeaKing criticised Adeboye for urging people to fast for 100 days for Nigeria, describing the directive as “stupid.”
Angered by the post, the Concerned Christian Youth Forum, a Christian youth group, petitioned the Lagos State Police Command, which led to SeaKing’s arrest last week.
But speaking on the TikToker’s rearrest during the RCCG’s February Holy Ghost service last week, Pastor Adeboye stated that he did not authorise Sea King’s arrest.
According to him, certain individuals, angered by the TikToker’s remarks, took the decision to arrest him. The clergy therefore called on the Police to release the Tiktoker.
In a fresh twist of event, the RCCG in a statement on Monday said it will not interfere with the investigation by the police on the matter, stating that ‘the law be allowed to take its course’.
The statement released by the Public Relations Unit and signed by the Office of the the Principal Executive Assistant to the General Overseer, RCCG Worldwide, on behalf of the cleric, reads: “There has been a video in circulation calling for the release of Olumide Ogunsanwo (Seakiug303) by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
“However, it is important to note that the earlier videos containing potentially defamatory statements had not been thoroughly examined. Upon careful review of the concerns raised regarding certain statements and allegations, it has become necessary to allow the law to take its course.
“It is important to properly understand Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye’s statement during the Holy Ghost Service Night on Saturday regarding Olumide Ogunsanwo (Seaking303). The Church does not intend to interfere with the ongoing police investigation, especially as there is an official complaint filed by the Concerned Christian Youth Forum against Olumide Ogunsanwo John (Seaking303) and others on behalf of the Fathers of Faith, including Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
“Therefore. we trust that the relevant authorities will carry out their investigations professionally and reach a just conclusion based on the law. While Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye maintains a heart of love and reconciliation, due process must be followed. We also caution against cyberbullying and inappropriate commentary regarding Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the body of Christ at large.
Furthermore, the Church encourages respectful discourse and will continue to promote a culture of honor while discouraging defamatory and disrespectful statements. Respect for spiritual leaders is a deeply held value in our faith and culture. We encourage all to engage in constructive and respectful discussions, honoring those who have labored in the faith.
