Christianity in Nigeria has flourished in the last 3 decades, thanks to the great work of men of God like Archbishop Benson Idahosa, Prophet Joseph Ayo Babalola, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, Bishop David Oyedepo, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and a host of others too numerous to mention here. Today, Nigerian churches are so successful that even the Anglican Church, Nigerian communion, has parishes in the United States that are not under the Church of England. The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has parishes in virtually every local government area in Nigeria and every continent of the world. This great expansion in RCCG can be credited to the enormous work of Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer who engendered an era of unprecedented growth in the Church. The annual Holy Ghost Congress and Convention are globally renowned. Daddy G.O. as Pastor Adeboye is fondly called has paid his dues as a man of God in every respect. His name is written in gold. However, things have not gone as planned, prayed, or schemed. RCCG’s starboy in Buhari’s government, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has been all but stellar. Being one of the most experienced technocrats in Nigeria in terms of professional and governmental experience, Osinbajo has failed himself and the Church of God in many respects.
Being the husband of Obafemi Awolowo’s granddaughter, and a lawyer who knows his onion as well as serving in Tinubu’s administration as attorney general, Yorubas believed that Osinbajo would be a great replacement for Buhari in the event of a repetition of Goodluck Jonathan’s luck. This has not happened. On the contrary, Osinbajo has been used in playing many infamous roles by his boss, Buhari. He has starred as the preacher at the mass funeral of victims of Fulani herdsmen. He has been used to buy vote under the guise of the program Trade Moni. On numerous occasions, he has been used to tell lies and make misleading or untrue accusations against former President Goodluck Jonathan. Not long ago Osinbajo’s task has included toilet infrastructure. This was definitely not the plan. Recently, Osinbajo was even accused of being one of the beneficiaries of Ibrahim Magu’s corrupt misappropriation. I often wonder what Daddy G.O. thinks or feels about how the Osinbajo promise or dream has metamorphosed into a nightmare. The killings of Christians in Southern Kaduna and other parts of Nigeria must be heartbreaking to him even he has been silent on these killings. The downward slide of the Nigerian economy must also be heart-aching. The humongous corruption revelation happening under an administration the church supported is an experience Daddy G.O. should not experience. He has worked too hard as a general of the Army of Jesus Christ to experience such in the twilight of his life and ministry.
Most Pastors these days behave like members of trade unions whose first or reflex action is to defend their members regardless of the offense committed by their members. Pastors have been found guilty of unimaginable crimes ranging from kidnapping to rape. Osinbajo’s performance as vice president of Nigeria as increased Nigerians growing distrust of the clergy. The silence of the leadership of RCCG in the face of a collapsing nation is a wonderment to many. Because the church was almost critically loquacious during the administration of Goodluck Jonathan. These double standards and other happenings in Nigeria have made many to unthinkably call out Daddy G.O. Recent statements from Daddy G.O. have also attracted replies that show he has lost some if not much of his reverence in the eyes of many Nigerians. Nigeria is hemorrhaging and the church lacks the leadership or reputation to intervene for many reasons including Osinbajo’s actions and inactions as vice-president. Pastor E.A. Adeboye must look beyond the failed Osinbajo project. Nigeria is in disarray. National loans that have enriched government officials are killing the economy. Law enforcement agencies are filled with criminals who rob and rape. RCCG’s role in the enthronement of Buhari makes the church guilty in all these and the pastorate must lick her wounds and act fast and fearlessly. The Church of God in Nigeria needs leadership. Nigerians are becoming hopeless and heartless and the nation needs direction because politicians and the present crop of leaders are only concerned about themselves and their families. Daddy G.O. should know that his role transcends RCCG. Many still see him as a father figure across religious and ethnic lines. He has the education, experience, and anointing to at least help put Nigeria on a path of redemption.
Ata Ukuta, Editor – www.towncryyers.com