The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has demanded the release of popular TikToker, Olumide Ogunsanwo, also known as SeaKing, who was arrested for criticising the cleric on social media.
SeaKing was arrested in December 2024 after posting a video on TikTok where he called Adeboye’s directive for a 100-day fast “stupid.” His arrest followed a petition by the Concerned Christian Youth Forum to the Lagos State Police Command, which sparked outrage online.
In a viral video on Saturday, Adeboye distanced himself from the incident, saying he was not aware of SeaKing’s arrest or those behind it.
He said, “I heard that there was someone who lambasted me thoroughly because I asked my people to fast for 100 days. I didn’t ask him o. I didn’t even ask anybody who is not a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God to fast—only my children. But God said that it would happen. I was told that some people got so angry, and they went and arrested the fellow. Haaa! Release him. He is fulfilling prophecy.”
Meanwhile, the convener of the Concerned Christian Youth Forum, James Adama, admitted in a YouTube video that his group was responsible for SeaKing’s arrest.
Adama said, “I was simply disturbed to come across a recent video in which an individual identified as 32-year-old Ogunsanwo Olumide launched a vicious verbal assault on Pastor E.A. Adeboye. In a shocking display of disrespect and defiance, Mr Ogunsanwo branded Pastor Adeboye as a very stupid person and a fool, alleging that he had instructed his congregation to engage in a 100-day fast.
“This brazen act of verbal harassment is not only reprehensible but also strikes at the heart of our cultural norms and values. It undermines the crucial principle of respect for elders, which is deeply embedded in our society, and threatens to erode the very foundation of our moral framework.”
One of SeaKing’s legal representatives, Deji Adeyanju, praised Adeboye for his stance, saying the Christian group responsible for the arrest would face legal action.
Adeyanju said, “That is how pastors should behave. Any pastor who arrests someone for insulting or criticising him is an unbeliever. But the Nigerian police are jobless. How can someone file a petition when he is not even the one defamed? We will advise SeaKing to sue the person who wrote the petition because he had no legal standing to do so in the first place.”
When asked about the next steps following Adeboye’s statement, Adeyanju said, “It all depends on the police. You know the Nigeria police have a penchant for impunity and senselessness. But we will review Adeboye’s video and take it from there.”
