Pastor Johnson Odesola, the Continental Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), overseeing operations in the Middle East and Southwest Africa. A seasoned leader with over 50 years in ministry and more than three decades in leadership Clock 66, he is widely respected for his discipline, humility, and unwavering commitment to God’s call. In an interview with ADEOLA OGUNLADE, Pastor Odesola speaks on everything from personal health and spiritual balance to the crisis of insecurity in Nigeria, the role of the Church in addressing controversial social issues, and how young ministers can maintain integrity in a rapidly changing world.
He also opens up about miraculous experiences, surviving near-death situations and his personal journey of obedience—choosing to follow and support Pastor E.A. Adeboye rather than pursue his own platform. With wisdom rooted in decades of service, Pastor Odesola offers insight not only into ministry but into what it means to live a purposeful, grounded life of faith and influence.
At 66, with your schedule packed across continents, how do you stay fit and maintain your energy?
I try to keep things simple and disciplined. I don’t sleep much—about four hours a night—but I make sure my body gets what it needs. I drink plenty of water and eat only when I’m truly hungry, which usually means just one meal a day. I don’t follow routines like breakfast as a ritual; I listen to my body. Occasionally, I eat meat or fish, and I include fruits from time to time.One habit I never compromise on is walking. If I’m at Redemption Camp or anywhere secure, I go on a prayer walk daily. That walk typically lasts between 40 to 45 minutes. It keeps me physically active and spiritually grounded.
What advice would you give young pastors on maintaining not just spiritual discipline, but physical and emotional wellness as well?
Spiritual discipline is essential, but it must be complemented by physical and emotional health. You can eat well and follow a nutritionist’s advice, but if you carry bitterness or unforgiveness, you will age quickly—both emotionally and physically. Nothing wears people down faster than unresolved conflict and internal resentment. I have seen couples who live together under the same roof but are emotionally divorced. That kind of disconnection takes a toll. So, young pastors must guard not just their prayer lives, but also their emotional well-being. Despite my demanding schedule, I make time to socialize. I attend weddings, housewarmings, and other events—not just out of obligation, but to stay connected. I even enjoy watching football and playing table tennis when I can. Recreation matters. Even Jesus attended a wedding in John 2. If the Son of God made time for social engagement, no pastor can claim they’re too spiritual to connect with others. Ministry is not a prison sentence. Life was meant to be lived fully. So, my advice to young ministers is this: don’t isolate yourself. Build recreation into your life. Go on a retreat, take a holiday, and go on a cruise if you can— but also make room for regular, everyday moments of joy and human connection. It’s not a distraction; it’s part of a healthy, balanced life.
Nigeria has witnessed recurring insecurity and violence in different parts of the country. As a minister and leader, what are your thoughts?
We can’t afford to live in denial. The truth is, what’s holding this nation together isn’t the government—it’s prayer. Sadly, the issue of security has become a commodity in some circles. Anyone being honest will acknowledge that. Massive funds are being allocated to tackle insecurity, yet the crisis persists. That’s why many Nigerians are deeply concerned. But for those of us in the faith, our consolation is in God. Pastor Adeboye is praying, and I believe in the power of those prayers. The same God who performed miracles in the days of Jesus is still at work today. He can turn things around for Nigeria—and that remains our constant prayer and hope.
Some argue that miracles no longer happen in today’s Church. What’s your take on that, especially given your experience in ministry?
So, my take is the fact that the winds of backsliding has blown over Christianity that even people are not standing firm. A Pastor Adeboye talk about God is still raising the dead. Someone would say how, but I saw it happened live. Many years ago, I was interpreting for Pastor Adeboye in the first auditorium at the Redemption City. At a service, Pastor Adeboye prayed, and when he went back to his office and after about 15 minutes, there was an opera in the auditorium as a dead man came alive. When I came to this church, if you said you are a believer, and you have been taught about the Bible, and you are sick, and what you think first is hospital, you will be discipline. That was what has helped my faith till now. I’m not on drugs. I don’t take any drugs. Because when you are not sick, why would you take drugs? I don’t even know, and a liar will go to hell. I don’t even know the name of any drug. I don’t know. So, but it sprang up from the fact that I’m taught, that if God can save you, he’s able to keep you healthy. You know, for many, many months, there’s a dispute on tithes. There’s a dispute on giving. These are waves. But these are the truth that when you practice, it works. You can’t tell me it doesn’t work. You can’t tell me God cannot heal again
Even me, I have prayed for somebody who had kidney problems and he got his healing.. One of our pastors, when we were in the north, I brought him from the north. He had kidney problems, and we don’t have money. They said they would do kidney transplanting. So I brought him to my house in Ibadan. I begged my wife and put him in another room, carried my bag, and went to somewhere. I just left home. I didn’t know where I was going. So I went far away. And I saw a bush, and I stayed there. I said, Lord, until I hear the news, until you assure me. That night, that was the night he got healed. He is still alive. He, himself gave the testimony. That night, he went to the toilet more than 21 times. And that was the end. He wasn’t married then. He’s married now. There are things that when you tell people today, they say, how can that be? How can it happen?
How do you personally respond to criticism—both from within and outside the Church?
Criticism makes your life better, whether constructive or destructive. In every criticism, there is something good, whether constructive or destructive. In every good criticism, there is an aspect of it that is not very good. In every bad criticism, there is an aspect of it that is very true. So, just take it. Maybe my academic, background, if you don’t criticize what I do, I don’t like it. Because there is a way of doing it better. Your perspective might be different from mine that is okay.
As someone closely connected to Pastor E.A. Adeboye, what has stood out the most to you in your personal relationship with him?
I started following him since 1976. He has always used the word-, Please and Sir. . He has never called me for by my name.. He often says pastor or brother. One time I was in the house, and he called his last born and told him to help with his load and added sir,.r, l was shock.. That is his own last boy. One time I told him, sir, don’t use sir for me. He said okay, sir. So, that aspect, I wish I could.
You have spent 50 years in the church and over 30 years in leadership. Do you feel you’re on track with the mission and goals you set for yourself?
I believe I’m either catching up or already living in that assignment. Let me share the backstory.In 1984, at age 25, I was ready to launch my own ministry. I had everything in place—the name, the registration, the constitution. I even committed to a 21-day fast, taking only water or, occasionally, juice when necessary. On the 19th day, while praying in church, I had a trance. In that vision, I saw myself holding a blueprint to build a tall tower. As I admired it, a man approached me and said, “God hasn’t called you to build your own tower. He’s called you to follow Pastor Adeboye. That’s your assignment—to be his apprentice and make sure he succeeds. That’s where your own success lies. “Initially, I resisted. But four hours later, the vision returned—clearer and more compelling. The instruction was the same: support Pastor Adeboye, help him fulfill his calling, and in doing that, you will fulfill yours. That encounter defined my path. I didn’t enter ministry for titles or personal ambition. I came because God directed me to serve someone else’s vision. And I’ve done that to the best of my ability. Have I completed it? Not yet. Pastor Adeboye himself still reminds us that we haven’t even started. So the work continues. But do I have regrets? Absolutely not. I know I’m exactly where God wants me to be.
Can you share any unforgettable moments in your ministry journey—experiences that deeply shaped your faith or leadership?
There are several moments that left a permanent mark on my life, but one stands out vividly—and I still thank God for it every time I remember. It happened during the 1992 religious riots that erupted in Zangon-Kataf and later spread to Kaduna. The conflict started over market relocation but quickly escalated into violent clashes between the predominantly Muslim Hausa and the predominantly Christian Kataf communities. That Sunday, after our church service in Kaduna, I went on a pastoral visit with a minister who was also a close childhood friend—he was then a manager at WAPCO Cement. By evening, the streets were eerily empty. As we drove, we unknowingly entered an area controlled by rioters. They were armed with daggers, smashing cars, and attacking people. I witnessed someone being slaughtered right in front of me. We were captured and surrounded. They spoke in Hausa, a language I couldn’t understand. I could only pick up on one phrase—“Kill them!” In that moment, I prayed. Fear gripped me, but I placed everything in God’s hands. Suddenly, the crowd dispersed. Maybe they got spooked by others approaching. Somehow, by God’s grace, we escaped. My friend was so traumatized he couldn’t return home that night. He cried the entire evening and eventually stepped away from ministry entirely. Another unforgettable moment was on the road near Jemba Bridge. A trailer lost control and was heading straight toward us. The driver of our vehicle simply said, “Oga…” but I remained calm and trusted God. He delivered us again. And then there was a time I was driving the first Jeep Pastor Adeboye gave me. I was on my way north and, exhausted; I dozed off behind the wheel. The car veered into the bush. I still don’t know how I survived. But I woke up safe and sound—another miracle. Each of these moments reminds me how fragile life is, and how faithful God has been. I carry them with me always, as proof of His mercy and protection.
Since 1989, you’ve served without scandal or public controversy. What do you believe has helped you maintain such integrity over the decades?
I don’t know. I have been in this church for 51 years. I joined the church in July 21, 1974. So, I’ve been in this church. I’ve been in leadership since 1989. I don’t know.
I don’t know what is responsible. What I do is only obey. Tell me to go to the north.
Tell me to go to the south. You are stupid. Sorry, sir. You are crazy. Thank you, sir. So, I don’t know. I think maybe focus. God called me and I obey him. Maybe that’s all. I don’t argue with my superior even when I don’t like the policy of organization. Any vehicle driven by two leaders will end up in a ditch. There is only one leader. And what that leader taught should be followed and that is why we always encourage every Christians to pray for their leaders. So, it’s not everything I will understand. I know as a leader. It’s not everything I said people will understand and the reason is because we are not standing at the same level. And God will not leave the head and talk to us. Even at that. Look at Eli. Even, some men need him to interpret. Some men need to interpret what God has said. So, once you are able to say, yes, sir. Anything they ask you to do, do it. Do it with joy. Without grudging, and that’s what God wants. That’s in the Christian faith, sir
Pastor, how should the Church address modern social issues, especially as they relate to keeping both older and younger generations in the faith?
We need to do more—much more. Social issues are real, and they’re affecting both the church and society deeply. We live in a time where people are more secretive, more guarded than before. In the past, Africa was a deeply communal place. If your neighbor had food, it was shared. Families looked out for each other. You could discipline another person’s child and it would be accepted. That kind of collective care has weakened.
Now, we need to be more intentional. Enlightenment, dialogue, and engagement are key. If we want a peaceful, functional community—whether in church or society—we can’t look at issues from only one side. We must take a pragmatic and multidimensional approach. That means listening, learning, and getting involved in one another’s lives again.
As someone who has been married for 36 years, I’ve learned that even after decades, someone else can still speak into your life. You never stop growing. We must bring that humility and openness into how we handle social matters.
There’s been controversy around issues like gender identity and dress codes in the church. How should the Church respond, especially when trying to reach young people?
Let me be clear: we are not here to condemn. People come to church with all kinds of stories, struggles, and backgrounds. Some were born male but feel differently. Some have been wounded or confused from a young age. You can’t just look at them and judge—you don’t know what led them there. That’s why we must lead with compassion, not condemnation.
However, while we accept people as they are, we also believe the gospel transforms. I often say: “Come the way you are, but don’t stay the way you are.” If someone has been in church for three months and there’s no visible change, I’d want to have a one-on-one conversation—not to shame them, but to understand and help them grow. It’s not about outward appearance alone. But still, character shows up. Just like fruit. If you have two oranges—one ripe, one unripe—you know which one is ready. Salvation is one; there’s no version for this person and another for that person. The gospel is universal—but its fruit must be seen in people’s lives. We are seeing new trends—young people coming in with different lifestyles, different values. But the Word of God hasn’t changed. And when it’s preached in truth and love, it transforms. I’ve seen people who came in with one mindset and, over time, were completely renewed.
