The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has demanded the immediate release of popular TikToker, Olumide Ogunsanwo, also known as SeaKing, who was arrested and arraigned in court for criticizing the cleric on social media.
Adeboye also distanced himself from the arrest, stating that he had no knowledge of the incident or the individuals responsible for it.
SeaKing was taken into custody in December 2024 after posting a video in which he criticized Adeboye for instructing his congregation to embark on a 100-day fast for Nigeria.
In the post, the TikToker described the directive as “stupid,” sparking outrage among some religious followers.
The arrest was reportedly initiated by the Concerned Christian Youth Forum, a religious group that petitioned the Lagos State Police Command, leading to SeaKing’s detention. The case quickly gained widespread attention, with many social media users condemning the arrest.
However, in a viral video seen by DAILY GAZETTE on Saturday, Adeboye clarified that he had no hand in the matter and had no connection to those who initiated the arrest.
“I heard that there was someone who lambasted me thoroughly because I asked my people to fast for 100 days. I didn’t ask him o. I didn’t even ask anybody who is not a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God to fast—only my children. But God said that it would happen. I was told that some people got so angry, and they went and arrested the fellow. Haaa! Release him. He is fulfilling prophecy,” Adeboye stated.
In a YouTube video posted on Friday, the leader of the Concerned Christian Youth Forum, James Adama, acknowledged that the group was behind SeaKing’s arrest.
He justified the move as a necessary step to curb cyber harassment against respected religious leaders.
“I was simply disturbed to come across a recent video in which an individual identified as 32-year-old Ogunsanwo Olumide launched a vicious verbal assault on Pastor E.A. Adeboye.
In a shocking display of disrespect and defiance, Mr. Ogunsanwo branded Pastor Adeboye as a very stupid person and a fool, alleging that he had instructed his congregation to engage in a 100-day fast.
“This brazen act of verbal harassment is not only reprehensible but also strikes at the heart of our cultural norms and values. It undermines the crucial principle of respect for elders, which is deeply embedded in our society, and threatens to erode the very foundation of our moral framework.
“This is to inform the general public that Ogunsanwo has been arrested and will be charged in court for his unprovoked, distasteful, and disrespectful insult directed at the revered Christian leader. The Concerned Christian Youth Forum is behind his arrest,” Adama declared.
One of SeaKing’s legal representatives, Deji Adeyanju, praised Adeboye’s stance on the matter and vowed to take legal action against those responsible for the arrest.
“That is how pastors should behave. Any pastor who arrests someone for insulting or criticising him is an unbeliever. But the Nigerian police are jobless. How can someone file a petition when he is not even the one defamed? We will advise SeaKing to sue the person who wrote the petition because he had no legal standing to do so in the first place,” Adeyanju said.
Regarding the next steps following Adeboye’s public statement, Adeyanju added, “It all depends on the police. You know the Nigeria police have a penchant for impunity and senselessness. But we will review Adeboye’s video and take it from there.”
