Inibehe Effiong, the lawyer representing TikToker-turned-activist Olumide Ogunsanwo, popularly known as SeaKing, has threatened to sue Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). This comes after the church publicly supported the arrest of the social media influencer, who was accused of insulting the pastor.
SeaKing had posted a video on TikTok in December 2024, where he criticized Pastor Adeboye’s call for Nigerians to fast for 100 days. In his post, he described the directive as “stupid,” a comment that angered members of the religious community. A group called the Concerned Christian Youth Forum submitted a petition to the Lagos State Police Command, leading to SeaKing’s arrest.
His detention sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many calling it an attack on free speech. Despite the public outcry, RCCG maintained its position, stating that the petition was filed “on behalf of the Fathers of Faith, including Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.”
During a recent Holy Ghost Congress service, Pastor Adeboye denied having any involvement in the arrest, claiming he was unaware of the situation. Following his remarks, the police granted SeaKing administrative bail on Monday, though his legal team initially rejected some of the bail conditions.
However, the situation took another turn when RCCG released an official statement reiterating its support for the TikToker’s arrest. The church stated that they would not interfere with the police investigation, emphasizing that legal procedures must be followed.
“Upon careful review of the concerns raised regarding certain statements and allegations, it has become necessary to allow the law to take its course. It is important to properly understand Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye’s statement during the Holy Ghost Service Night on Saturday regarding Olumide Ogunsanwo (SeaKing).
“The church does not intend to interfere with the ongoing police investigation, especially since an official complaint was filed by the Concerned Christian Youth Forum against Olumide Ogunsanwo John (SeaKing) and others on behalf of the Fathers of Faith, including Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
“Therefore, we trust that the relevant authorities will carry out their investigations professionally and reach a just conclusion based on the law. While Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye maintains a heart of love and reconciliation, due process must be followed,” the statement read.
Effiong, in response, strongly criticized RCCG’s statement, warning that legal action would be taken if it was not retracted within 24 hours. He argued that SeaKing’s fundamental rights had been violated, as he was detained longer than legally allowed without proper justification.
The lawyer also questioned RCCG’s sudden shift in position, noting that they had initially distanced themselves from the case. He warned that if the statement was not withdrawn, Pastor Adeboye would be included in any lawsuit filed to protect SeaKing’s rights.
Effiong stated, “Since Pastor Enoch Adeboye had initially distanced himself from the matter, we had decided not to join him and the church as respondents in any fundamental rights enforcement suit. We do not know what motivated the church’s sudden shift, as evidenced by the eccentric statement issued by the Public Relations Unit of RCCG.
“It is pertinent to state that the fundamental rights of Olumide Ogunsanwo have already been violated, as he was detained beyond the constitutionally permissible timeline and without any legally tenable grounds. Since RCCG has now chosen to align itself with the petitioner and drag Pastor Enoch Adeboye into the pit of illegality created by the police and the complainant, they must understand the legal consequences.
“We are now left with no choice but to include Pastor Adeboye as a party in any legal action we file to enforce SeaKing’s fundamental rights. This development may also require Pastor Adeboye to personally testify in court in any criminal case brought by the police, where he will be subjected to cross-examination.
“We demand that Pastor Adeboye and RCCG retract their statement within the next 24 hours if they wish to avoid being named as parties in legal proceedings.”
The lawyer further cautioned religious leaders against using law enforcement agencies as tools of suppression.
“Pastors who resort to weaponising the police to silence their critics risk having their calling questioned. Vengeance, as the Bible admonishes, should be left to the Lord, not the police.
“However, if a pastor insists on pursuing an eye for an eye, he or she must be careful not to overreach their critic, abuser, or adversary, and must ensure that due process is not violated in seeking redress through earthly institutions,” the statement said.
