The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has called for the immediate release of popular TikToker Olumide Ogunsanwo, also known as SeaKing, following his arrest for criticizing the cleric on social media.
Adeboye distanced himself from the arrest, stating that he was not involved in the incident or responsible for the actions that led to SeaKing’s detention.
SeaKing, in a TikTok video shared in December 2024, had publicly criticized Adeboye for urging people to fast for 100 days in prayer for Nigeria, calling the directive “stupid.”
The video sparked outrage, leading to a petition by the Concerned Christian Youth Forum to the Lagos State Police Command, which resulted in SeaKing’s arrest.
In a viral video, Adeboye clarified that he did not instruct non-members of his church to participate in the 100-day fast, adding that only his congregation was expected to observe it.
He expressed surprise at the arrest and called for SeaKing’s release, saying, “Release him. He is fulfilling prophecy.”
The cleric further explained that while he had heard of the TikToker’s criticism, he did not request his arrest, and the situation was not one of his making.
“I didn’t ask anybody who is not a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God to fast. But God said that it would happen,” Adeboye stated.
On the other hand, James Adama, the convener of the Concerned Christian Youth Forum, admitted that the group was behind SeaKing’s arrest.
In a statement, Adama justified the group’s actions, saying the arrest was a response to a growing concern about cyber harassment directed at religious leaders.
He condemned SeaKing’s harsh remarks, calling them “vicious” and a violation of cultural norms that demand respect for elders.
“This brazen act of verbal harassment is not only reprehensible but also undermines the crucial principle of respect for elders,” Adama said.