In a heartfelt revelation, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has shared poignant memories of a time when Christians and Muslims coexisted peacefully in Nigeria, using his personal family experiences as a powerful testament.
A Childhood Defined by Interfaith Harmony
Speaking in a video posted on November 8, 2025, on the YouTube channel Divine Encounter, Pastor Adeboye countered narratives of persistent religious strife. He insisted that Nigeria's history is not solely defined by conflict, drawing from his own upbringing. His father and mother were devout Christians, yet his family was a living example of religious integration.
One of his elder sisters was married to a Muslim man named Adeatu, creating familial bonds that persist to this day. "In my family, up till today, I have cousins whose name is Razak. I have people whose name is Musiliu. And we live together in peace. We live together in harmony," the man of God recounted.
The Special Bond With a Muslim Uncle
The cleric's most touching recollection centered on his Muslim uncle, who held a special place in his heart. Pastor Adeboye disclosed that this uncle loved him dearly, despite their different faiths and his biblical name, Enoch.
He humorously detailed how he would participate in his uncle's Ramadan fast, albeit with a child's perspective on the rewards. "I had an uncle who loved me very well. And I tell you, anytime it was fasting time, I fasted, not like him! I fasted in that I didn't eat dinner. I waited for him to go to the mosque and return because I know when he returns, there will be goodie goodie," Pastor Adeboye shared with a smile.
He continued, "So my own fast began when it was almost breaking time. And I'm telling you that man loved me like nobody else... He will wake me up in the night when they have finished preparing pounded yam, and we will eat together." This intimate account paints a vivid picture of unconditional love transcending religious boundaries.
A Call for Diplomacy Amidst Modern Tensions
Pastor Adeboye's reflections were partly prompted by recent international commentary, including allegations from former US President Donald Trump about a Christian genocide in Nigeria. The pastor contextualized his personal stories to highlight a stark contrast with the current climate.
He pointed to a pivotal shift, noting that things changed after some people introduced religion into politics. Using his family's history as evidence, he advocated for a return to those harmonious principles.
The respected religious leader called on the Nigerian government to act diplomatically and swiftly to address these international concerns and persuade Trump to reconsider any threatened actions against the nation. His message serves as both a historical reminder and a urgent plea for peaceful coexistence and strategic governance.
