Adeboye charges at social media critics: I wasn’t talking to you

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye has told those criticising him recently that his comments and sermons were not meant for them.
He was responding to criticism of his birthday message to his wife, Folu, last week where he had praised his wife, saying she is a submissive woman who still cooked and looked after his welfare.
But the comment attracted wild criticism on social media with some describing him as a male chauvinist.
Speaking on Sunday in a sermon titled “From lockdown to lifting up”, the respected 78-year-old cleric said only his children would understand his comments and perspectives.
He argued some of the things he says annoy non-members of the church.
In the sermon broadcast live via the church’s television, Dove Media, Adeboye said: “As a matter of fact, if there is a way of preaching this sermon just to my own children alone, that is what I would have done.
“Not because I’m selfish but occasionally there are things you say to your children that would annoy outsiders.
“And you keep on saying, but I am not talking to you, I am talking to my children. But now, the lockdown has made the door open to everybody.
“Some people see the glory but don’t know the story. Some people see me and say all kinds of things. It’s none of my business.
“I don’t need to answer you; I just need to keep on riding high with my king. I’m talking to my children, so others should not be angry with me. Before you take off, consider your landing.”
It would be recalled that Adeboye, while celebrating his wife who clocked 72, said: “Today is my wife’s birthday and there are lessons that women, especially so many young brides can learn from her.
“She is a powerful woman, I know that. She has many people who take instructions from her but as powerful as she is and even though she has seen me in my weakest moments, I have no doubt that I am her head.
“It does not matter what is on her itinerary if I say I would like you to go with me to so and so place the best she can do is try to convince me otherwise.”
Adeboye, who stressed on women being submissive to their husbands, asserted: “No matter how educated or successful you are, your husband is your head and you must regard him as such at all times.
“It is a terrible thing for a husband to feel his wife is his head. Many men are misbehaving in their marriages simply because they want to establish that they are the head of their wives.”
He further disclosed that despite his wife’s busy schedules, she handles the cooking and serving of the food.
He said: “As busy as she is, she still cooks my meals and serves me herself. Many young ladies these days leave everything to the house help.
“My wife still trims my nails for me. There was a time when I was a teacher and was staying far from town.
“She had to cut my hair during that period. She is the only partner of the Adeboye Corporation; she doesn’t delegate her primary duties to anyone else. Just like the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31:1-31, I safely rest on my wife.”
However, Nigerians took to social media to express mixed reactions over Adeboye’s tributes.
A Twitter user, @Mochevious said Adeboye should have just said: “happy birthday flesh of my flesh” and keep it moving. Now we know he can’t do basic things like feed himself and trim his nails. TMI.”
Also, @Benxta_ said: “Can’t believe Adeboye really sat down & found a way to make his wife’s birthday about himself and his power over her. a simple “happy birthday my love” will do next time please”
@TifeOfficial wrote: “Normally, women are supposed to be submissive to their husbands, Pastor Adeboye was just stating facts and Appreciating his wife for being submissive, so it’s stupid to insult him,when he was just being right.”
@OgbeniDipo said : “Do you call your father a foolish man when you disagree with him? Why should Pastor Adeboye be different? This is not being woke. It is being stupid.”
@Omojuwa said: “How I go open mouth diss Pastor Adeboye. God forbid. There are things I don’t agree with – primarily on account of generational differences and nothing else – but to attack him? I’d rather die. There’s got to be a limit to wanting to impose one’s views on others. Live & let live.”