This is a critical essay; a post mortem; a post script to a larger societal issue and not by any means a discussion on the Pastor Adeboye/Tithing issue. I already advised a closure to this.
In recent times, the landscape of conversation and debate in Nigeria, especially on religious and political issues, has become heavily charged with emotions. Too often, individuals align themselves with personalities they admire, whether political leaders or religious figures, to the point of uncritical support. This dynamic can become problematic when such figures err, and their supporters refuse to acknowledge the flaws in their reasoning or beliefs. Instead of addressing the core issues at hand, discussions are shut down, and dissenters are branded as enemies or critics motivated by personal dislike.
A glaring example of this phenomenon is the conversation surrounding Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and his recent public shift on the issue of tithing. For years, some voices, including myself, questioned the biblical basis of the practice of tithing in the New Testament. However, our concerns were often met with hostility and accusations of disrespect toward the revered leader. It didn’t matter that our argument was based on theological grounds—what mattered to many was the notion that we were perceived to be attacking a respected man of God.
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When Pastor Adeboye eventually reconsidered his position on tithing and what he had earlier declared that non payers would not make heaven, those of us who had questioned it felt a sense of relief. It was a positive change, one that aligned more closely with biblical teaching. Yet, even after the shift, many of his ardent supporters have continued to defend the practice, unwilling to confront the reality that their unwavering support had been misplaced.
Same goes for politics. Many ardent supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu don’t want any type of criticism of his government. They immediately take umberage and assume a defensive and very aggressive position towards anyone and anything that questions his capacity and decisions. And yet the man like all men is not perfect and it is in the good intention of criticism that he can get better.
These incidents reflect a broader issue in the Nigerian society: the tendency to conflate criticism with personal dislike. Criticizing a practice or position held by a beloved figure is not the same as rejecting the person. In fact, constructive criticism is often the highest form of respect, as it seeks to bring clarity and truth to light. Blind allegiance, on the other hand, prevents growth—both for the individuals involved and for society at large.
When we become emotionally attached to people and ideas to the point of rejecting any critique, we lose the ability to think critically. This phenomenon is evident not just in religious discourse but also in politics. Political heroes are idolized, their every move defended, and their flaws ignored, even when their actions clearly contradict the values they claim to uphold. This is not the way to build a healthy society.
True loyalty does not mean agreeing with everything someone says or does. Instead, it means being willing to hold them accountable when they are wrong, out of a desire for their growth and improvement. As individuals, we must learn to separate the person from the issue and be courageous enough to voice our disagreement when necessary.
Furthermore, it is essential that we ground our beliefs in facts, logic, and sound reasoning. When a position we hold is questioned, rather than react emotionally, we should assess the argument critically. Is there merit to the critique? Does it align with evidence or scripture? These are the questions we should be asking, rather than jumping to conclusions based on our emotional attachments.
In the case of religious doctrines like tithing, it is crucial to remember that doctrines are meant to serve truth and understanding, not the ego of any individual leader. The New Testament presents a different relationship between giving and the Christian community, one that is based on generosity and mutual support rather than a rigid practice of tithing, talk less of whether we should give 10%, 20% 50% etc. Questioning practices that deviate from this is not an attack on leadership—it is a commitment to scriptural fidelity.
In summation, we must all strive to foster a culture of critical thinking in Nigeria. Supporting our leaders—whether religious or political—does not mean abandoning our ability to think for ourselves. It means offering support when they are right and respectfully questioning when they are wrong. Let us be vigilant in ensuring that our loyalty is to the truth, not to personalities. Blind allegiance weakens both the individual and society. We must embrace reason, seek understanding, and resist the urge to shut down debate simply because we admire someone.
Societies that have advanced are developed and strongly encourage constructive criticism.
Mr Akinwunmi is the Group CEO, Prima Garnet Africa, and a former Chairman of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).
