Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has disclosed that the name by which he is widely known is not his real name. In a sermon clip that has gone viral, the revered cleric stated that his actual name is Adejare, while Adeboye belongs to his father.
Pastor Adeboye's Real Name Revealed
The video, posted on TikTok by @redeem.forcast on April 30, shows Adeboye explaining the distinction. He said, 'My name, real name is Adejare. Adeboye is my father's name. By the special grace of God, it has pleased the Almighty God to bless Adeboye as my father. But today, everywhere I go, I am Pastor Adeboye. Many people don't even know Adejare.'
Adeboye, a former mathematics professor who became RCCG leader in 1981, shared an anecdote about someone referring to his son as 'Adeboye' rather than 'Adejare,' highlighting how the family name has overshadowed his given name.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
The revelation has elicited diverse responses, with many people inquiring about the meaning of Adejare. Some commenters offered interpretations: Marie Winner asked, 'ADEJARE means what please?' Davidolusegunajay explained, 'Jare in Yoruba means to be justified, innocent, or blameless. Ade means crown. Adejare = Crown is justified, innocent or blameless!' Pastor Sam Ige added, 'Ade is not always crown. It also means “he has come.” Adejare – His coming has brought vindication.'
Others expressed spiritual connections, such as Oluronke ijaola, who said, 'Greatness begins in the life of my siblings and I Loruko Jesu.'
Context of the Revelation
This disclosure comes amid other recent statements from Pastor Adeboye. In a related story, he addressed calls to sack Nigeria's First Lady, Remi Tinubu, as a pastor at RCCG. Adeboye explained that she was ordained as an Assistant Pastor over a decade ago, before her husband's presidential ambition, and that the church follows due process and will not bow to external pressure.
Pastor Adeboye's candid sharing of his real name underscores a theme of legacy and identity, as he noted that greatness can begin in one's generation even if not inherited.
