Daniel Regha Slams Pastor Adeboye Over Sermon Cautioning Christians Against Chasing Wealth Amidst Lavish Lifestyle Allegations

 

The public space on X (formerly Twitter) has been set alight after popular social media critic Daniel Regha took aim at Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the revered General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The outspoken commentator accused the cleric of hypocrisy following his sermon during the church’s 73rd Annual Convention where he warned believers against the pursuit of material wealth.

During his address to thousands of worshippers at the annual gathering, Pastor Adeboye called on Christians to evaluate their priorities and ensure that their spiritual growth was not overshadowed by the quest for possessions. He stressed that there is nothing wrong with comfort and enjoyment but emphasized that it must not come at the cost of one’s soul.

The cleric described excessive materialism as a dangerous distraction, terming it an “act of stupidity” when it overrides spiritual values. Using stark imagery, he reminded the congregation that the physical body, no matter how pampered, decorated, or cared for, will one day perish. His words urged believers to focus on nurturing their spirits, which he said was the true part of a person that would live on into eternity.

He explained further that earthly gains are temporary and questioned the worth of wealth when a person eventually dies. “If you are pursuing wealth at the expense of your soul, that would be stupidity. What happens when you die? How many of those things can you take with you?” he asked rhetorically, leaving the audience to ponder the transient nature of material possessions.

The message, intended to be a spiritual wake-up call, instead stirred controversy when Regha reacted publicly. The critic, known for his blunt and often confrontational opinions on Nigerian social and political issues, took to X to question the moral authority of Pastor Adeboye on the topic.

In his post, Regha claimed that the cleric enjoys a lavish lifestyle, allegedly owning a private jet, a mansion, and having access to luxury cars. He argued that such a lifestyle stands in contrast to the sermon’s message, accusing not only Pastor Adeboye but also many prominent Nigerian pastors of failing to practice what they preach. “Many top Nigerian Men of God are known to live a lavish lifestyle, almost never practising what they preach,” his statement read.

The remarks quickly went viral, sparking debates among Nigerians online. Some sided with Regha, insisting that church leaders should lead by example if they expect their followers to live by certain teachings. They argued that extravagant living by pastors undermines their messages about moderation and detachment from materialism.

Others defended Pastor Adeboye, pointing out that his message did not condemn wealth outright but rather cautioned against prioritizing it above spiritual well-being. Supporters noted that many pastors’ assets are often donated or managed by church organizations, not necessarily a direct reflection of personal greed. They also argued that ownership of such assets does not automatically negate one’s spiritual authority or commitment to God’s work.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest Pentecostal churches in the world, has not issued any official response to Regha’s comments at the time of this report. The church’s annual convention remains one of its biggest events, drawing millions of participants both physically and through broadcast channels, with sermons typically addressing key issues of Christian living.

The clash between Adeboye’s sermon and Regha’s critique touches on a larger ongoing conversation in Nigeria about the wealth of religious leaders. Many Nigerians continue to grapple with questions about how church funds are used, whether opulence among pastors is justifiable, and the thin line between enjoying blessings and succumbing to materialism.

Public reactions to the controversy reveal deep divisions within the Christian community and Nigerian society at large. Some congregants insist that God’s blessings can manifest in material abundance, and possessing wealth does not automatically mean one is spiritually compromised. Others take the view that excessive display of such blessings can send the wrong message, particularly in a country where poverty levels remain high.

For now, the debate shows no signs of fading. Pastor Adeboye’s message was intended as a spiritual reminder about the fleeting nature of earthly treasures, but in the court of public opinion, it has become a litmus test for the consistency of church leaders’ lifestyles with their teachings. Whether the controversy will prompt more transparency and humility among Nigerian pastors or simply pass as another fleeting social media storm remains to be seen. 

Pastor Adeboye reportedly owns a private jet, a mansion, has access to luxury vehicles, but he's preaching "against prioritizing material wealth over their spiritual well-being". Many top Nigerian Men of God are known to live a lavish lifestyle, almost never practising what they…

— Daniel Regha (@DanielRegha) August 6, 2025