Society Gists

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has responded to claims that its General Overseer, Pastor E.A Adeboye has retired as the General Overseer of the church.

The church stated that he only “ceased to be Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Nigeria.”

According to a statement by the clergyman’s official Facebook Page;

The need for the action is as a result to the new legal requirements set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria through its (Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria), guiding all registered churches, mosques, CSOs etc. It allows leaders of religious organization(s) to have a maximum period of twenty years to lead their organization(s). In retirement, they are not permitted to hand over to their families amongst other rules.

As announced by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, Pastor Joseph Obayemi has been appointed as the new Overseer. Pastor Obayemi until his appointment was the Special Assistant to the General Overseer in charge of Finance and also Pastor in charge of RCCG Region 2 (Shomolu, Lagos). He is also a Member of the Governing Council amongst other offices he currently occupies.

Also appointed as Church Secretary and Church Treasurer are Pastor Johnson Funsho Odesola and Pastor Joseph Adelanke Adeyokunnu respectively.

Pastor Odesola is the Special Assistant to the General Overseer in charge of Administration and Personnel, Member of the Governing Council of RCCG and also the Pastor in charge of RCCG Region 1 (Ebute-Meta), while Pastor Adeyokunnu is a Financial Controller and Pastor in charge of Lagos Province 8.

This development effectively sees the emergence of Pastor Joseph Obayemi as the Overseer of RCCG in Nigeria.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God has its presence in over 190 nations of the world and Pastor E. A. Adeboye remains its General Overseer.

Pastor E. A. Adeboye and the Redeemed Christian Church of God have set a standard in the decision to obey the laws of the nation which is the reflection of the scriptural teaching that all constituted authority should be respected.

The Corporate Governance Code (For Not-for-Profits) which was revised in October 2016 said that Founders/Leaders of Not for Profit Organisations should resign after spending “more than 20 years (in office) or is age 70 years and above”.

The law also says that it understands the “spiritual role” leaders play in religious organisations, but added that these roles are “distinguishable from corporate governance and management responsibilities”.

It also said that to ensure the Founder/Leader’s continuous advisory and spiritual role, the organisation can create a Board of Trustees (BOT) and make the Founder/Leader the First or Life Chair.

See excerpts of the code below:

Adeboye currently occupies the position of “Chairman Governing Council” and “Chairman Board of Trustees” of RCCG Worldwide as stated on the church’s website.

This new law will see many religious leaders in Nigeria relinquish (or not) their positions as many of them have served in such positions for more than 20 years.

We’ll have to see where this new law leads and if other religious leaders will follow suit.

You can download the Corporate Governance Code HERE. Click HERE to visit the Financial Reporting Council Website for more information on the governance codes for private and public sectors.