The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has announced some major shake up in the church.
The shake up include the retirement of the church’s National Overseer, Pastor Joseph Obayemi.
The General Overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, who made the announcement while addressing RCCG Ministers on Sunday, August 7, 2022, also said the person that will take over from him as General Overseer will be a young man.
The RCCG which is currently celebrating its 70th anniversary was established in 1952 by Rev. Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, who passed on in 1980.
Adeboye has served in the position of General Overseer for more than 40 years.
In December 2016, Adeboye appointed Obayemi as the church’s Overseer in Nigeria.
Obayemi was given an additional portfolio to serve as the Overseer of the RCCG in North Africa in 2021. He was also appointed as the officer-in-charge of the church’s operation in Nigeria.
However, Adeboye announced his retirement along with some pastors during the ministers’ conference. Obayemi is in his 70s.
The General Overseer disclosed that the retirement age for all RCCG pastors will now be pegged at 70, adding that some of them may be given lesser roles after retirement.
Pastor Sunday Akande will replace Obayemi as the RCCG National Overseer, while Pastor Kalu Ndukwe will serve as the Overseer of the African Continent.
Adeboye said the position of the National Overseer of the church will now be on a two-year basis, noting that the pastor occupying the position will operate from the redemption camp.
All churches in the camp would henceforth report to the new National Overseer. He will also represent Pastor Adeboye in special assignments.
Also affected by the shake up is Pastor Johnson Odesola, who had been in charge of administration and personnel of the church. He was relieved of the two portfolios.Two pastors were appointed to handle the portfolios.
The new pastor in charge of personnel is Julius Olalekan while Pastor Dele Balogun was appointed to take charge of administration.
It is not yet clear the new designation of Pastor Odesola who also serves as the Overseer of the RCCG in the Middle East.
The Redemption Camp, according to Pastor Adeboye, will henceforth carry the tag of a city just like the Vatican City.
He banned hawking and selling of goods along the roads in the camp saying such practice will no longer be tolerated.
Adeboye added that anyone who violates the band on hawking and selling of goods along the road will be prosecuted while their goods will be confiscated.
He also said indecent dressing in the camp environment will no longer be tolerated.