Mike Bamiloye Defends Adeboye as the cleric rejects calls for Pastor Adeboye to lead protests over insecurity in Nigeria

Nigerian cleric Mike Bamiloye has defended fellow cleric Enoch Adeboye against growing public criticism calling for religious leaders to take part in protests over insecurity in Nigeria.

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The remarks come amid renewed anger from sections of the public who have urged prominent pastors to speak more forcefully or lead demonstrations in response to worsening security challenges across the country.

Adeboye receives support amid criticism from Mike Bamiloye, arguing that it is unreasonable to expect an 84-year-old religious leader to physically lead street protests given his age and spiritual mandate.

He maintained that the role of church leaders is primarily spiritual, stressing that their responsibility includes prayer, counsel and intercession for national peace rather than activism in the streets.

Bamiloye also referenced past events, stating that Pastor Adeboye had only participated in a protest in 2020 following instructions from Christian bodies, including the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.

According to the cleric, such actions were not individually initiated but carried out in alignment with broader denominational guidance.

The statement has sparked wider discussion online about the role of religious leaders in national advocacy, particularly at a time when insecurity remains a major concern for many Nigerians.

Adeboye backed by Mike Bamiloye amid criticism while reiterating that spiritual leaders carry a divine assignment, which he said prioritises prayer for the nation over direct political confrontation.

The debate has also been fuelled by other public voices, including actress Julianna Olayode, who recently argued that pastors are not activists but spiritual intercessors under divine authority.

The issue continues to divide opinion, with some Nigerians demanding stronger public engagement from religious figures, while others insist their influence is best exercised through prayer and counsel.

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As discussions persist, the role of faith leaders in addressing national insecurity remains a subject of intense public scrutiny.