Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the RCCG defended Bishop David Oyedepo against criticism for receiving a Rolls Royce and N1 billion on his 70th birthday. Adeboye emphasized that clergymen should not live in poverty and argued that society would blame them if they died poor.
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has spoken out about the controversy surrounding Bishop David Oyedepo's recent birthday gift, which included a Rolls Royce and one billion naira. The lavish gesture, presented during Oyedepo's 70th birthday celebration at Living Faith Church's headquarters in Ota, Ogun State, has drawn criticism from various segments of Nigerian society.
In a video message addressed to his congregation, Adeboye highlighted the unfairness of the backlash against Oyedepo, emphasizing that clergymen should not be expected to live in poverty. He stated, “Someone gave a bishop a car, and some people got very upset that how can a bishop be driving a Rolls Royce? As if once you are a bishop, you must die of hunger.”
Adeboye continued, urging his followers to consider the implications of living in poverty. He argued that if a clergyman died poor, society would blame them for not living a fulfilling life despite their years of service to God. He pointed out that people would question their faith if they struggle financially, stating, “If you can’t pay your rent, they will say where is your God?”
In his conclusion, Adeboye asserted that regardless of their circumstances, clergymen would face criticism, whether they choose a life of abundance or one of poverty.
