Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has warned men against marrying women who cannot cook, demand costly wedding ceremonies, or rely solely on physical beauty.
Adeboye made the remarks while addressing men on marriage and the qualities to look for in a prospective wife. He said men should be deliberate about the character and practical skills of women they intend to marry rather than being swayed by appearance or the promise of an elaborate wedding ceremony.
The clergyman argued that cooking ability signals a woman's readiness to take care of a home and manage household resources properly. He also cautioned against women who expect lavish weddings that strain the finances of their husbands-to-be, saying such demands often indicate misplaced priorities.
Adeboye's counsel reflects traditional views on marriage roles that have sparked debate in Nigeria, where many women now pursue careers and education alongside domestic responsibilities. His remarks come at a time when gender roles in Nigerian marriages continue to evolve, with younger couples increasingly sharing household duties and wedding expenses.
The pastor's warning about costly weddings appears directed at what he sees as materialistic attitudes that can destabilise marriages from the start. He suggested that men should prioritise finding partners with solid moral character, domestic competence, and reasonable expectations over women focused on status symbols or expensive celebrations.
Adeboye did not specify where or when he made these comments, but they align with his previous teachings on family and relationships. The RCCG leader has built a following of millions across Nigeria and the diaspora through his sermons and books on faith and personal development.
His latest marriage advice is likely to draw responses from women's groups and social commentators who argue that modern marriages require partnership based on mutual respect and shared decision-making rather than adherence to strictly defined gender roles.
