Adeboye responds to viral AI image depicting him as ‘Alhaji’

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has addressed an AI-generated image circulating on social media that portrayed him dressed in Islamic attire, sparking widespread reactions.

Speaking during the first Holy Ghost Night of the year on Saturday, January 4, Pastor Adeboye referenced the image, which surfaced late last year.

The altered image depicted him in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, as a Muslim who had completed the Hajj pilgrimage, earning the title of “Alhaji.”

“I’m sure many of you saw that picture showing me as an alhaji,” Adeboye remarked with a wry smile, as reported by Church Times Nigeria.

On Mockery and Prophecies

The revered cleric also addressed the growing trend of mockery online, predicting that some mockers might not live to see the year’s end. However, he stressed that God does not take pleasure in the death of sinners.

Adeboye went on to urge prayers for peace amid global conflicts, warning against the dangers of a potential world war. He prophesied that 2025 would see a massive earthquake of unprecedented scale but assured his audience that brighter days lie ahead.

“The Glory Ahead,” the theme of his message, focused on God’s purpose for humanity. Adeboye reiterated that the divine plan remains central and emphasized that God is not in a hurry to bring people to heaven as their missions on earth must be fulfilled.

Prayers for Nigeria

Turning to Nigeria’s future, Pastor Adeboye outlined plans for the RCCG’s 100-day fast. The first 30 days, he noted, would focus on intercessory prayers for the nation.

He vowed to lead the church in “violent prayers” aimed at overcoming barriers to the country’s progress, expressing optimism about an imminent era of peace for Nigeria.

Adeboye offered specific guidance on fasting for senior citizens. He advised individuals aged 70 to 80 to break their fast by 3 p.m., those over 80 by noon, and exempted those above 90, describing them as being in the “departure lounge of life.”

He also reminded the congregation of the importance of prayer during fasting, cautioning against treating the period as a mere “hunger strike.”

The AI Image Controversy

The AI-generated image initially gained traction after an X user, @Sarkideyforyou, posted it alongside the caption, “Pastor Adeboye, may Allah guide you to the right path.” The post reportedly received over 3.8 million views, 1,500 reposts, 1,800 comments, and 4,000 likes by December 22, 2024.

Multiple fact-checking platforms, including FactCheckHub, later debunked the image, confirming it was artificially generated and not a genuine photograph of the pastor.

A Message of Hope

In his concluding remarks, Adeboye prophesied that 2025 would bring a “stronger wind,” symbolizing breakthroughs, promotions, and long-awaited blessings. He assured his listeners that despite the challenges of today, the future holds great promise.