Pastor-Adeboye
Susan Abayomi
At the May 2026 edition of the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s Holy Ghost Service, themed “Excellent Counsel,” General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye delivered marriage advice that quickly went viral. Speaking to male congregants at the RCCG auditorium in Simawa, Ogun State, he said: “Don’t marry a girl who cannot cook.” He stressed that domestic skills and hospitality are non-negotiable for a stable home.
Adeboye went further, telling men to reject even prophetic endorsements if the woman lacks basic cooking ability. “Even if a prophet says this is your wife, if she can’t cook, say ‘Thank you, keep her,’” he told the crowd. According to him, marrying a woman who cannot cook or be hospitable is “heading for trouble”. He linked the counsel to biblical expectations, noting that a wife should be “intelligent and hospitable”.
The cleric also warned against choosing a spouse based solely on physical beauty. “There are many demons that are very beautiful. If you marry because of beauty, you might choose a demon. I’m not saying all beautiful people are demonic. If it’s beauty alone that leads you into marriage, it’s a deep trap,” he said. He urged spiritual discernment and prayer before marriage to avoid costly mistakes.
On wedding costs, Adeboye advised men to walk away from relationships that demand financially crippling ceremonies. “Don’t marry a girl who does not do things in moderation. No matter how close you are to a wedding and your girl is suggesting a wedding that is going to cost you everything and get you into debt, call it off,” he directed. The message was framed as protecting men from starting marriage in debt.
Appearance was another focus. The 84-year-old pastor cautioned against excessive cosmetic alterations, saying men should question what’s “behind the mask.” He listed artificial hair, false eyelashes, and fake nails as examples. “The girl you are going to marry must not be heavily made up… excessive makeup is simply saying there is something to hide,” he said, citing 2 Kings 9:30-37 and calling Jezebel the “matron saint of makeup”.
This isn’t the first time Adeboye has given this advice. A similar sermon from 2016 resurfaced, where he said, “A girl who cannot cook will not be a good wife.” In that same message he also told women, “Don’t marry a man who has no job…A man is to provide for the house, not the other way around.” When such comments draw backlash, Adeboye often clarifies he’s speaking to “his children” in the church, not outsiders.
Reactions online were immediate and divided. Supporters called it practical wisdom rooted in tradition and family stability. Critics argued the focus on cooking reflects outdated gender roles and said modern marriages should be built on shared responsibility rather than fixed expectations. The debate trended across Nigerian social media within hours of the service.
Adeboye framed all the counsel as part of helping “my boys to end up well.” Beyond cooking, he emphasized four qualities for marriage decisions: the market, the numbers, the timing, and the team — urging research, financial awareness, and diligence. Whether praised or criticized, his remarks have reignited a national conversation about marriage, gender roles, and what young Nigerians should prioritize before saying “I do.”
