Nigerian notable lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana has criticized the Church planting concept practiced by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of GOD (RCCG), Pastor EA Adeboye.
Falana aired his concerns during an interview with Sahara TV.
The discussion sparking a fresh debate on the commercialisation of religion in Nigeria.
The criticism stemmed from Adeboye’s long held concept of evangelism and his recent statement about plans to expand the church’s reach.
According to the renowned cleric, the RCCG aims to establish churches within walking distance of every home in Nigeria.
“This isn’t evangelism; it’s profit-driven expansion,” Falana argued, describing the strategy as a sign of churches prioritising financial gains over spiritual leadership. The same sentiment was earlier made public by Cardinal Olubunmi Okojie.
Falana’s remarks come shortly after Adeboye claimed divine intervention had stabilised Nigeria’s currency.
Speaking at the Special Holy Ghost Congress in Abuja, Adeboye stated, “If not for the prayers of my followers and myself, the naira could have fallen to ₦10,000 per dollar.”
During the administration of former president Goodluck Jonathan, Pastor Adeboye conversely, led a protest against rising terrorism, a slight increase of petrol pump price and planned devaluation of the Naira leading to the currency exchanging for N163 to the dollar.
The assertion 2 days ago by Femi Falana, however, has drawn mixed reactions, with critics questioning the link between spiritual efforts and economic stability.
While Adeboye’s supporters hail his vision for widespread church accessibility, Falana’s comments highlight broader concerns about religion’s role in Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
Many are asking whether churches should be playing a more active role in addressing these challenges or merely expanding their influence.
The debate underscores growing scrutiny of religious organisations and their operations in a country grappling with economic and social instability.
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