By Olatunbosun Obafemi
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has declared that it is beneath the dignity of any respectable person to engage in verbal exchanges with those he described as “untrained children.”
Adeboye made this known during the September Holy Ghost Service of the church, where he also unveiled the theme of the upcoming RCCG Youth Convention in October, tagged Gate Protectors.
The revered cleric’s remarks came in response to recent derogatory comments by a content creator, Olumide Ogunsanwo, popularly known as SeaKing. Earlier this year, Adeboye had directed members of RCCG worldwide to observe a 100-day fast – a spiritual exercise he often prescribes at the beginning of the year. However, Ogunsanwo mocked the directive and went further to describe the 83-year-old preacher as “a stupid boy,” sparking reactions across social media.
In his reaction, Adeboye stated that he would not descend to the level of such critics, stressing that parental and spiritual figures deserve respect, regardless of differing opinions.
“It is Infra Dignitatem for any respectable person to respond to insult from untrained children,” Adeboye said. “Henceforth, no wayward younger fellow must be allowed to insult parent figures anymore.”
The RCCG leader further warned his detractors to desist from their attacks or repent before it is too late. According to him, some individuals may have been created solely for the purpose of causing distractions, but that would not derail God’s agenda.
Adeboye’s response comes at a time when many prominent leaders, both religious and political, are increasingly becoming targets of online ridicule from younger Nigerians who use social media to vent frustration at authority figures. While some argue that such platforms give room for accountability and critique, others warn that the culture of online disrespect could erode values of discipline and reverence in society.
The cleric, fondly called “Daddy G.O” by millions of his followers, is widely regarded as one of the most influential religious figures in Africa. Over the years, his annual fasting instructions and Holy Ghost congresses have drawn both fervent devotion and occasional criticism.
As the RCCG Youth Convention draws closer, Adeboye’s remarks are expected to shape conversations about the role of young people in guarding moral gates and showing respect to elders, even in an age dominated by social media freedoms.
