Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Worldwide, has urged for the release of popular TikTok creator Olumide Ogunsanwo, also known as SeaKing, who was arrested and brought to court following his criticism of the cleric on social media.
Adeboye distanced himself from the incident, stating he was unaware of it or of those behind SeaKing’s arrest.
In a TikTok video posted in December 2024, SeaKing criticized Adeboye’s call for a 100-day fast for Nigeria, labeling it as “stupid.”
The Concerned Christian Youth Forum, a Christian youth organization upset by SeaKing’s remarks, petitioned the Lagos State Police Command, leading to his arrest in December and igniting strong reactions online.
In a viral video released on Saturday, Adeboye clarified that he played no part in SeaKing’s arrest and did not know the individuals involved.
He stated, “I learned that someone harshly criticized me for asking my followers to fast for 100 days. I didn’t even ask anyone outside of the Redeemed Christian Church of God to participate—only my congregation. But God anticipated this situation. I heard some people were so furious that they went and arrested him. Haaa! Release him. He is fulfilling prophecy.”
In a YouTube video released on Friday, James Adama, head of the Christian forum, acknowledged the group’s involvement in SeaKing’s arrest, asserting it was a response to increasing cyber harassment towards respected religious figures.
He expressed, “I was disturbed to see a recent video where Ogunsanwo Olumide vehemently insulted Pastor E.A. Adeboye, calling him ‘stupid’ and ‘a fool,’ falsely claiming he instructed his congregation to embark on a 100-day fast.
“This blatant verbal harassment is not only unacceptable but undermines our cultural values and the respect we owe our elders, threatening to erode the foundation of our moral principles.
“This is to inform the public that Ogunsanwo has been arrested and will be prosecuted for his unprovoked, disrespectful insults aimed at this esteemed Christian leader. The Concerned Christian Youth Forum is behind his arrest.”
Deji Adeyanju, one of SeaKing’s legal representatives, praised Adeboye’s call for the TikToker’s release and indicated that the Christian group responsible for the arrest would face legal consequences.
Adeyanju remarked, “That is how pastors should act. Any pastor who resorts to having someone arrested over criticism is not acting as a believer. The Nigerian police also seem to be at fault here. How can someone file a petition when they weren’t even the one defamed? We’ll advise SeaKing to sue the petitioner as they have no legal standing.”
When asked about future actions following Adeboye’s statement, Adeyanju noted, “It ultimately depends on the police. The Nigerian police have a tendency towards impunity and nonsense. We will review Adeboye’s video and take further steps from there.”
