Inibehe Effiong, the lead counsel for TikToker-turned-activist Olumide Ogunsanwo, widely known as SeaKing, has threatened to sue Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), following the church’s statement supporting SeaKing’s arrest.
The controversy stems from a TikTok post in December 2024, where SeaKing criticized Adeboye for urging Nigerians to fast for 100 days, calling the directive “stupid.”
The post prompted the Concerned Christian Youth Forum, a religious group, to petition the Lagos State Police Command, leading to SeaKing’s arrest. The move sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many condemning the arrest as an attack on free speech.
During a recent Holy Ghost Congress service, Adeboye distanced himself from the arrest, claiming he was unaware of the incident or the individuals involved. However, on Monday, the RCCG issued a statement through its Public Relations Department, reaffirming its support for the arrest.
The statement read, “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 (SeaKing). The church does not intend to interfere with the ongoing police investigation, especially since an official complaint was filed by the Concerned Christian Youth Forum against Olumide Ogunsanwo John (SeaKing) 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.”
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In a swift and fiery response, SeaKing’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, condemned the church’s statement and threatened legal action against Adeboye if the church did not retract its position within 24 hours.
Effiong stated, “Since Pastor Enoch Adeboye had initially distanced himself from the matter, we had decided not to join him and the church as respondents in any fundamental rights enforcement suit. We do not know what motivated the church’s sudden shift, as evidenced by the eccentric statement issued by the Public Relations Unit of RCCG. It is pertinent to state that the fundamental rights of Olumide Ogunsanwo have already been violated, as he was detained beyond the constitutionally permissible timeline and without any legally tenable grounds. Since RCCG has now chosen to align itself with the petitioner and drag Pastor Enoch Adeboye into the pit of illegality created by the police and the complainant, they must understand the legal consequences. We are now left with no choice but to include Pastor Adeboye as a party in any legal action we file to enforce SeaKing’s fundamental rights. This development may also require Pastor Adeboye to personally testify in court in any criminal case brought by the police, where he will be subjected to cross-examination. We demand that Pastor Adeboye and RCCG retract their statement within the next 24 hours if they wish to avoid being named as parties in legal proceedings.”
Effiong also cautioned religious leaders against using law enforcement agencies to suppress criticism. “Pastors who resort to weaponising the police to silence their critics risk having their calling questioned. Vengeance, as the Bible admonishes, should be left to the Lord, not the police. However, if a pastor insists on pursuing an eye for an eye, he or she must be careful not to overreach their critic, abuser, or adversary, and must ensure that due process is not violated in seeking redress through earthly institutions,” he said.
The legal threat marks a significant escalation in the controversy, raising questions about the intersection of religion, free speech, and the rule of law in Nigeria. As the 24-hour ultimatum looms, all eyes are on Pastor Adeboye and the RCCG to see how they will respond.
