Rita Odafe
Inibehe Effiong, a human rights attorney representing TikToker Olumide Ogunsanwo, known as SeaKing, has warned that he may pursue legal action against Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. This came shortly after the church issued a statement backing SeaKing’s arrest, which was linked to allegations that he insulted Adeboye.
SeaKing made headlines in December 2024 when he criticized a suggestion from Adeboye for Nigerians to embark on a 100-day fast, calling it “stupid” in a TikTok video.
This outburst prompted a religious youth group, the Concerned Christian Youth Forum, to file a complaint with the Lagos State Police, resulting in SeaKing’s arrest in December and igniting significant outrage across social media platforms.
In a recent Holy Ghost Congress service, Adeboye stated he was unaware of SeaKing’s arrest and the individuals involved, distancing himself from the matter.
Moreover, following Adeboye’s comments, SeaKing was granted administrative bail by the police after his legal team initially turned down certain bail conditions.
Nevertheless, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) reiterated its support for SeaKing’s arrest in a statement released the same day, explaining that the youth group’s petition represented the interests of various church leaders, including Pastor Adeboye. The statement emphasized the importance of allowing legal proceedings to unfold properly.
“The church will not meddle in the police investigation, especially given the formal complaint filed on behalf of the church leaders against SeaKing,” it stated, assuring that investigations would be conducted fairly under the law.
Following this, SeaKing’s lawyer criticized the church’s stance and issued a 24-hour ultimatum for them to retract their statement, or else he would involve Pastor Adeboye in any upcoming legal actions.
Effiong remarked, “Since Adeboye had earlier distanced himself from this incident, we did not plan to include him as a respondent in a lawsuit concerning fundamental rights. The church’s change of position is unclear and has incurred legal implications.”
He stressed that SeaKing’s rights had already been infringed upon due to his unjust detention, and now that the church has sided with the complainants, Adeboye could also face legal repercussions.
“We may have no choice but to involve Pastor Adeboye in legal proceedings, which could require him to testify in court, where he will be open to cross-examination,” he added.
Effiong concluded with a clear demand for a retraction of the statement from Pastor Adeboye and the RCCG to avoid further legal complications.
The lawyer also warned religious leaders against exploiting police resources to suppress dissent.
“Clergy members who weaponize law enforcement against critics may find their own integrity questioned. The Bible teaches that vengeance is for the Lord, not to be executed through police intervention,” he warned.
“If a pastor chooses to seek personal retribution, they must exercise caution to avoid overreach and ensure that they uphold legal standards in their pursuit of justice,” he emphasized.
