Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has addressed the criticism surrounding the lavish birthday gifts presented to Bishop David Oyedepo, which included a Rolls Royce and N1 billion in donations.
Speaking to his congregation, Adeboye defended the gesture, saying that religious leaders should not be expected to live in poverty. “Someone gave a bishop a car and some people got very upset, asking why a bishop should drive a Rolls Royce. It’s as if being a bishop means you should die of hunger,” he said in a video message.
The backlash stemmed from the extravagant celebration held at the Living Faith Church in Ota, Ogun State, where the gifts sparked outrage among some Nigerians who questioned the display of wealth by religious leaders.
In response, Adeboye emphasized the challenges faced by clergy members regarding public expectations of their financial status. “If you die poor, they will blame you and say, ‘After all those years of serving God, this is how you ended?’ But if you start living in abundance, they will attack you,” he said.