Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has expressed his deep concern over the arrest of one of the church’s pastors abroad, an incident that highlights growing issues surrounding free speech and gender inclusivity in modern society.

Adeboye shared the unsettling news during the church’s monthly Thanksgiving service held at the RCCG’s Throne of Grace parish in Lagos on Sunday.

According to Adeboye, the pastor was detained for simply addressing a crowd as “ladies and gentlemen,” a gesture that was met with accusations of discrimination.

The pastor’s use of the term was deemed offensive by some, who questioned its lack of inclusivity for non-binary individuals.

This incident, Adeboye believes, is a sign of the increasingly complicated cultural landscape where traditional expressions are being scrutinized for their alignment with contemporary social norms.

“The end is nearer than you think. Things are getting worse, and this is a wake-up call,” Adeboye told the congregation, adding that such events are signs of the difficult times ahead.

He further explained that the arrest was a result of a complaint filed by those who felt excluded by the traditional phrase, asking, “What about those who are neither ladies or gentlemen?”

This case, according to the clergyman, reflects the larger issues of moral decline and the loss of foundational values worldwide.

Adeboye also shared a troubling anecdote about a woman who referred to her pet dog as her “husband.”

When questioned about her spouse, the woman casually mentioned that she had taken “him” to the vet earlier and that “he doesn’t talk,” referring to the dog as her husband.

This incident, he said, served as another example of the rapid erosion of societal norms and respect for traditional values.

The pastor expressed growing concerns over these cultural shifts, viewing them as clear indications of what many Christian teachings refer to as “the end times.”

He urged members of the congregation, particularly those already grounded in the faith, to take these matters seriously and not allow their faith to be shaken by societal pressures.

“Those of you already in Christ, take this matter seriously. Do not let anyone weaken your stand. God is holy.

Those still playing church—singing, clapping, and enjoying things without genuine commitment—remember, Jesus is coming back.

The devil wants to harvest you, but you must not give him the opportunity.

I want to see you in my Father’s house,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of remaining steadfast in one’s faith as the world around them changes rapidly.