Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has criticized certain fashion trends among church members, specifically addressing men with braided hair and women wearing false eyelashes and heavy makeup.
Speaking during the church’s 72nd annual convention, Adeboye expressed his disapproval of these styles, stating that they would no longer be tolerated on RCCG altars.
He emphasised that braided hair is traditionally associated with Sango priests in Yorubaland, and adopting such styles contradicts the church’s values and mission.
“In Yorubaland, the only men who braid hair are the priests of Sango, the god of thunder. They say this is a new age and that we must be adaptable to what is going on. To continue as Sango priests? Not in this mission. Even after I’m gone, it will still not happen”, he said.
He also criticised female pastors who wear heavy makeup, saying they would be removed from the altar.
According to Church Times, Adeboye said further, “Take this word from me. When we find anybody among pastors; particularly female pastors, made up to look like a representative of Nollywood; we will walk her off the altar.”
The cleric emphasised the importance of modesty and self-acceptance, encouraging church members to appreciate their natural appearance.
“You can quote me: Tell anybody who questioned why you are doing this drastic change, tell him or her, “Daddy GO said so,” he asserted.
He urged those who feel the need to alter their appearance to repent and embrace their originality.
“He did a good job. When He created you, you were original. You remain an original”.
While pleading for forgiveness if he was too harsh, he said, ‘You may not like it. If you are my children, you can’t kill me. Do you know why men don’t makeup? I mean, real men. It’s because we have what is called a superiority complex. We stand before the Lord and say, ‘God, You did a good job creating us. You made no mistake.
“When you begin to fix false nails, I wonder what you want to achieve – If God wanted to make you a bird, He would have given you a false nail and false eyelashes”.
Adeboye wondered why a woman would expose her breasts.
“She wants to divert attention from her face. She believes she is ugly, so the man will be lured. All my daughters listen to me: You are fearfully and wonderfully made. If anybody does not like you the way you are, it’s that person’s loss,” he added.
