LAGOS, NIGERIA (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The endorsement of Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastor, Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye as the new Soun of Ogbomosoland has indeed sparked a heated debate in Nigeria. It is interesting to see pastors from the Pentecostal wing of Christianity assuming traditional leadership roles in various parts of the country.
Supporters argue that this transition is a natural progression for religious leaders who have spent years preaching to their congregations. They believe that pastors can uphold their faith while renouncing traditional rituals, allowing them to embrace these traditional leadership roles.
However, this viewpoint has faced opposition from church members who question the compatibility of these roles with their Christian beliefs.
It is important to remember that Christianity, like any religion, has various interpretations and perspectives. Different individuals may have different views on how to integrate their faith with traditional practices.
We have listed below Five annointed penticoastal pastors who become king
- John Elaigwu Odogbo
A Deeper life pastor, John Elaigwu Odogbo emerged as the paramount ruler of Idoma land in Benue State through an election conducted by the kingmakers. All contenders for the throne are Christians.
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The traditional council presented the elected candidate to ascend on the throne to the Governor Governor Samuel Ortom at the Government House, Makurdi.
- Kehinde Olugbenle
In 2012, a Lagos RCCG pastor Kehinde Olugbenle was installed as the new Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of the Yewa-Awori axis of Ogun State. His emergence on the throne was supported by the kingmakers after he defeated his close rival Adedeji Olugbenle with just one vote.
During an interview in 2016, Oba Olugbenle was asked how he was able to handle the mantle of the land. “I have said it earlier, it was not a sudden acceptance; it was gradual. I went through a little bit of spiritual guidance (to accept the position),” he said.
- Oba Gabriel Ayodele Adejuwon
In 2017, Gabriel Ayodele Adejuwon, another RCCG pastor and a civil servant in Ekiti during Gov Ayodele Fayose Administration was crowned as Onisan of Isan-Ekiti. He was appointed as the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers by Gov Kayode Fayemi.
In an interview in 2018, king Gabriel was asked how he was able to subjugate the conflicts between his faith and rites on the throne.
He responded subtly: “When God created heaven and earth, He created everybody and different faiths and He is managing every one of us. As a king and a representative of God on earth, you should be able to manage everything that is under your control. Before I was ordained king, the kingmakers knew that I am a pastor and yet they supported me.
“I don’t get in their ways because we all want the same thing for the community. We want peace and growth in the community. I contribute my quota for Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists.
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“The traditionalists give me heads up on their activities but I don’t go with them and it does not mean I don’t pray and support them. If we say we want to focus on Christianity alone, our prayers might not be answered. These people have ways of blocking your prayers, it is written in the Bible.
“I do not partake in rituals; the traditionalists are the custodians of the rites and they have been doing it before I ascended that throne. However, I’m involved when the traditionalists dance to my palace. I have to leave the door wide open and give them my blessings.”
- Oba Matthew Jegede
In 2020, a media house reported A Deeper Life Bible Church pastor, Matthew Jegede was installed as the first Alahan of Ahan Ayegunle Ekiti in Ekiti East Local Government Area.
During an interview, Oba Jegede opened up on some challenges he faced on the road to becoming a king, saying that his church members opposed his decision on becoming a king
My perspective as a Christian towards becoming a king was against God’s plan, said the monarch. He added “I initially thought it was against God’s plan to become the King…I also thought that if one wants to go to heaven, it will be difficult.”
“I was directed by the church to seek divine guidance but I ignored”. He recalled that he kept having king-like dreams, confirming that he was born to be the king. After I absconded for years, the offer was accepted not minding the public opinion against it.
On the day of my coronation as the king, I was surprised to see those who were against my decision in attendance as Governor Kayode Fayemi handed me the staff of office
- Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye
The newly endorsed Soun of Ogbomosho in a video posted on social media by the Parish, Olaoye, who addressed members of the church, said it was never his ambition to become the Soun. He said he never wanted to be a king but God spoke to him about it and he had no option but to take a step of faith to obey God and watch what the creator wanted to do.
He argued that pastors and kings perform basically the same roles in different environments. A pastor, he said, is a shepherd, much like a king who looks after varied interests in a larger community.
However, the new monarch said God spoke to him about the stool in a revelation. He added that he informed the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, of his disinterest in the stool. However, Pastor Adeboye told him not to fight what he was born for.
