Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has expressed concern over the arrest of one of the church’s pastors abroad for addressing a group as “ladies and gentlemen.”

During the church’s monthly Thanksgiving service at RCCG Throne of Grace in Lagos on Sunday, December 1, Adeboye explained that the remark was deemed discriminatory in the country where the pastor was serving, as it did not account for other gender identities recognized there.

“The end is nearer than you think. Things are getting worse, and this is a wake-up call,” Adeboye remarked. “One of my pastors abroad was arrested for simply saying ‘ladies and gentlemen.’ Some people reported him for discrimination, asking, ‘What about those who are neither ladies nor gentlemen?’”

He also shared a troubling story about a woman who referred to her dog as her husband, adding, “I took him to the vet before coming. He doesn’t talk,” when questioned about her spouse.

Adeboye warned that these incidents are signs of a broader moral decline, reflecting the approaching end times. “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.

In a related matter, Adeboye recently criticized certain fashion trends among church workers, such as men wearing braided hair and women using false eyelashes and heavy makeup. During the RCCG’s 72nd annual convention in August, he expressed disappointment with these styles, making it clear they would no longer be allowed on RCCG altars.