Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has ignited a fresh conversation on faith and healing in Nigeria after recounting a tragic story involving a wealthy family, a terminal cancer patient, and the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
The Allegation: A Costly Quest for Divine Intervention
In a video that went viral online, Seun Kuti detailed the experience of a Nigerian family who sought Pastor Adeboye's intervention for a loved one diagnosed with terminal cancer. According to the singer, the family turned to the clergyman after medical doctors abroad declared that nothing more could be done for the woman's condition.
The family reportedly moved the patient to the RCCG Redemption Camp, where she was placed under spiritual care. Seun Kuti alleged that Pastor Adeboye personally prayed for the woman and gave strong assurances that she would survive the illness, contrary to the medical prognosis. The entire process, which included securing accommodation at the camp, allegedly cost the family approximately $250,000, a sum spent while clinging to the hope of a miraculous recovery.
A Promise of Resurrection After Death
Seun Kuti's narrative took a more controversial turn as he described the events following the woman's eventual death at the camp. He claimed that after the patient passed away, Pastor Adeboye addressed the grieving family from his balcony, instructing them to stop crying.
The musician further alleged that the pastor promised to go indoors and pray for the woman's resurrection. He reportedly asked the family to kneel beside the deceased's body outside for one hour while he prayed. Seun Kuti, quoting the pastor's alleged words, said the instruction was: "If the woman doesn't wake up, na im be say na God" (meaning, if the woman doesn't wake up, then it is God's will).
Seun Kuti expressed strong criticism of the episode, describing the family's reliance on faith healing as a "false hope" that left them emotionally and financially devastated, and unprepared for the reality of their loss.
Nigerians React with Mixed Feelings
The story shared by Seun Kuti has sparked a wave of reactions from Nigerians online, highlighting the deep divide in perspectives on miracles and faith healing.
Some social media users defended their belief in divine healing. One user, @unbreakableblackbadger, commented, "I have never Fall Sick nor take Medication for over 9yrs now... JESUS CHRIST is real and Miraculous." Another, @idagha_theundercover, wrote, "So what about the people that got healed... I've been healed countless times without taking any medicine."
Others questioned the specifics of the account. User @joyboy3110 referenced biblical miracles, stating, "The last time I checked Jesus did not need to pray for 1 hour before raising Lazarus... he just spoke the word and it happened."
Meanwhile, some supporters of Pastor Adeboye redirected criticism back at Seun Kuti. User @skinrestorantbeautyschool said, "You people never called out your fake baba in the shrine o! Anything to drag pastors."
The incident, as narrated by Seun Kuti, continues to fuel debates about the boundaries of faith, the responsibilities of spiritual leaders, and the choices families make in desperate times of illness.
