Illicit Funds: Adeboye, Olukoyede And The Church
Since he came into the national limelight, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, a mathematician by training and a pastor by calling and persuasion, has left no one in doubt, from the clergy to ordinary workers and ministers in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), a new-generation church he has led for over four decades, about his distaste for sin, corruption in all its forms and, above all, his unwavering advocacy for holiness.
Today, among his peers in Nigeria’s Pentecostal movement, he is often described as holiness personified.
He lives a holy life and preaches holiness wherever he finds himself, both within and outside the pulpit.
Beyond the issue of holiness, Adeboye’s life and ministry have also emphasised integrity, both in private and public life.
For anyone to remain a minister or pastor in the RCCG, certain standards must be upheld. Ministers are expected to refrain from immoral acts such as fornication and adultery. Above all, they must not tamper with church funds or be found wanting in their responsibility to safeguard resources entrusted to their care.
But, as the Yoruba saying goes, “Ko si bi a se ma rin ti ori ko ni mi” (There is no way a man walks without his head shaking).
Notwithstanding these rules, there are still some ministers who, at one time or another, have crossed the red lines of holiness and integrity.
The frequency of such incidents perhaps explains why, in the early hours of Saturday, November 7, 2026, Pastor Adeboye invited Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to address his workers and ministers on the need to refrain from acts capable of bringing their integrity into question.
Why would a man of God of Adeboye’s standing wash the church’s dirty linen in public? One is tempted to ask.
There is no smoke without fire.
Olukoyede, it will be recalled, had on September 23, 2026, while addressing an interfaith gathering in Abuja, the nation’s capital, made a startling revelation about several pastors, imams and other religious leaders who had been interrogated, detained or were facing trial by his commission over various financial crimes involving billions of naira. The alleged offences bordered on fraud and financial misconduct, both within and outside religious institutions.
The EFCC chairman, himself a pastor in the RCCG, wondered why individuals allegedly involved in such offences continued to answer the title of pastor and maintain the outward posture of men of God.
He warned that his commission would not condone such conduct.
It is perhaps in recognition of the Yoruba saying, “Igi ganganran ma gun mi loju, okere lati ng kilo re” (Beware of the long stick that could eventually poke your eyes; it is better to take precautions from a distance), that Adeboye arranged for Olukoyede to address his ministers, particularly with the church’s next annual Holy Ghost Congress around the corner.
Many onlookers were, however, shocked when it emerged that Adeboye had, before the meeting, directed the refund to the EFCC of billions of naira in illicit funds allegedly donated to the RCCG by members.
Why would he take such a step, knowing that it could be interpreted as an admission that individuals with questionable sources of wealth had found their way into the church?
His action was obviously a confirmation of his determination to discourage hypocrisy among his ministers and congregation and present a living, spotless church, without blemish or wrinkle, to Christ when He returns to receive His own.
Adeboye’s action is also a demonstration of his confidence in Olukoyede’s performance as the head of the anti-graft agency. Under his leadership, the EFCC has pursued the recovery of billions of naira from alleged corrupt politicians, businessmen and other influential individuals.
His action equally serves as a warning to those who steal public or private funds and subsequently channel such proceeds into the church that the house of God must not become a refuge for illicit wealth.
After all, the Scriptures say in 1 Peter 4:17: “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”
It is also pertinent to note that, as an elder and spiritual leader determined to leave behind a ministry anchored on holiness and integrity, Adeboye’s action could be seen as a declaration that, as he advances in age, he wants to put his house in order before he eventually joins his Maker.
But then, will other churches not frown at Adeboye’s apparent revolution, particularly if it inspires their congregations to demand similar levels of transparency and accountability from their own leaders?
One thing is clear: the lifestyles of some spiritual leaders, who live extravagantly, ride exotic, state-of-the-art cars and maintain fleets of private jets, have continued to attract public scrutiny. This is particularly so when some of these assets appear to serve private interests rather than the primary mission of evangelism and winning souls for Christ.
It is an open secret that many unbelievers question the lifestyles of some men of God, arguing that such extravagance contradicts the message of moderation, humility and sacrifice preached by Christ.
Times may have changed, but the Word of God remains unchanged.
Many believe that the extravagant lifestyles of some religious leaders are sustained by wealthy but corrupt members who grease their palms with ill-gotten wealth without being asked questions about the sources of their fortunes.
Through his actions, Olukoyede has sent a strong message to religious institutions: the law is no respecter of persons, whether secular or religious.
He has also demonstrated his belief in the values of holiness and integrity espoused by Adeboye, whom he regards as a spiritual father.
It is debatable whether Adeboye’s action will not ignite fresh debates and controversies within the Church of God. However, one thing is certain: his decision to direct the refund of illicit funds to the EFCC sends a clear warning to his ministers that he will not condone financial misconduct, whether within or outside the church.
By implication, he has also challenged the wider body of Christ to put its house in order if the fight against corruption in the larger society is to yield meaningful results.
Having decided that the RCCG should take the lead in the crusade against corruption, Adeboye has equally challenged other Pentecostal churches and Christian denominations to follow suit and contribute to the moral rebirth of a society where corruption has become deeply entrenched in national life.
It should therefore come as no surprise if, within the RCCG itself, there are silent grumblings among some ministers and workers over their leader’s decision to wash the church’s dirty linen in public.
If such grumblings emerge, they may raise questions about the commitment of those involved to the very standards of integrity and accountability the church seeks to uphold.
To full-time pastors who burden their congregations with numerous programmes and unauthorised levies to meet financial targets, secure promotions and line their pockets, one message should remain clear: God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap.
Similarly, public and private sector employees who steal public or corporate funds and subsequently bring such money into places of worship should understand that nobody can bribe God.
They will surely reap the consequences of their actions, whether now or in the future, when the trumpet shall sound.
As for Olukoyede, he must recognise that he has put his hand to the plough and cannot afford to look back. His responsibility goes beyond the present moment. After his tenure, those who succeed him may either scrutinise his own record or continue the crusade against financial crimes in the house of God and the larger society.
Nigeria is already reeling under the weight of grinding poverty and underdevelopment, much of which has been fuelled by institutionalised corruption.
The fight against corruption must therefore be consistent, impartial and uncompromising. It must begin in government offices, extend to the private sector and, importantly, reach the very institutions that preach morality and righteousness.
Ultimately, the church must not only preach integrity; it must demonstrate it. And if the RCCG, under Adeboye’s leadership, has chosen to make that declaration through action, other religious institutions would do well to take note.
