“Adeboye cannot be expected to lead street protests” — Mike Bamiloye fires back at critics 

Popular gospel filmmaker and founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Mike Bamiloye, has defended the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye, amid criticism over the cleric’s recent remarks on insecurity in Nigeria.

Pastor Adeboye had sparked reactions after sharing a video urging the Federal Government to issue a 90-day ultimatum to security chiefs to eliminate terrorism or resign from office.

The video, originally recorded in November 2025, resurfaced amid allegations that the cleric had campaigned for a political party and opposed planned protests against insecurity.

Bamiloye defends Adeboye’s position

Reacting through his official Instagram page, Mr Bamiloye criticised bloggers and commentators for allegedly twisting Pastor Adeboye’s comments and ignoring his consistent stance against societal problems.

According to him, expecting the 84-year-old cleric to personally lead street protests is unrealistic considering his age and spiritual assignment.

“This is what he said, many bloggers saw this, but they would project it. But he spoke against the evils,” Mr Bamiloye wrote.

“And for all those who are expecting an 84-year-old man, servant of God, to lead a protest against a government, this does not make sense by virtue of his age and by the mandate of his calling.”

Clarification on 2020 protest walk

Addressing comparisons made by critics regarding Pastor Adeboye’s participation in a 2020 protest walk during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr Bamiloye explained that the action was carried out under the directive of Christian bodies.

According to him, the protest was organised collectively by the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.

“And for all those who said he led a protest… it was the instruction of the CAN and PFN for every church to stage a protest against insecurity of the nation and he complied and led his denomination too, just as some other churches did,” he stated.

Mr Bamiloye added that the primary responsibility of the church remains prayer and spiritual intervention for national peace and stability.

RCCG clarifies viral photo

The RCCG Public Relations team had earlier clarified that a viral image showing Pastor Adeboye carrying a placard was taken during the 2020 peaceful prayer walk against insecurity and not during any protest against former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The church also reiterated that Pastor Adeboye maintains political neutrality and encourages members across political divides to exercise their civic rights responsibly without endorsing any political party.

The debate surrounding the cleric’s comments has continued to generate reactions online, particularly amid growing national concerns over insecurity and public expectations of influential religious leaders.