Inibehe Effiong, the lawyer representing popular TikToker Olumide Ogunsanwo, also known as SeaKing, has warned that he will take legal action against Pastor Enoch Adeboye following his client’s controversial arrest. The dispute began in December 2024 when SeaKing posted a TikTok video criticizing Pastor Adeboye’s call for Nigerians to embark on a 100-day fast, calling the directive “stupid.”
His remarks sparked outrage, leading the Concerned Christian Youth Forum to file a complaint with the Lagos State Police. Shortly after, SeaKing was arrested, igniting widespread debate over free speech. At a recent Holy Ghost Congress, Pastor Adeboye distanced himself from the arrest, stating that he had no knowledge of the petition or those responsible for it.
However, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) later released a statement on Monday, publicly backing the arrest and confirming that the petition was filed on behalf of the “Fathers of Faith,” including Adeboye.
In response, Effiong condemned the church’s stance and issued a 24-hour ultimatum for RCCG to retract its statement, warning that failure to do so would result in legal action against Pastor Adeboye himself.
“Initially, since Pastor Enoch Adeboye distanced himself from the matter, we decided not to include him or RCCG in any legal proceedings,” Effiong stated.
“However, with this new statement from the church’s Public Relations Unit, RCCG has now aligned itself with the petitioners, dragging Pastor Adeboye into the illegality committed by the police and the complainant.”
Effiong further argued that SeaKing’s fundamental rights had already been violated, as he was detained longer than the constitutionally allowed period without a valid legal basis.
“If RCCG does not retract its statement, we will have no choice but to add Pastor Adeboye as a respondent in any lawsuit to enforce SeaKing’s rights.
This may also require Pastor Adeboye to personally testify in court, where he will be subjected to cross-examination,” Effiong warned.
