Bisi Alimi, a prominent Nigerian gay rights advocate, has voiced his discontent over an image circulating on social media that shows Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), wearing attire resembling a naval uniform. The photo, which also featured Adeboye’s wife, sparked a wave of online reactions, with Alimi questioning the appropriateness of the cleric’s outfit. 

Alimi, in a pointed commentary on social media, questioned whether Adeboye had any military background to justify wearing such a uniform. “Please what the phyuk is this? Did he serve in the army?” Alimi asked, expressing his frustration. He contrasted Adeboye’s apparent exemption from scrutiny with the harsh treatment ordinary Nigerians receive for wearing camouflage, which is typically prohibited under Nigerian law for civilians.

The Nigerian law surrounding camouflage and military attire is strict. Alimi pointed out that civilians are prohibited from wearing military uniforms, including camouflage, unless they have express permission from the president or a governor, or are participating in a public entertainment or bona fide display. He reflected on the double standard he believes exists when it comes to individuals in positions of power. “To think ordinary Nigerians have either been beaten mercilessly or jailed for wearing just camouflage pants, and here is a civilian in military regalia, and he is getting away with it cos he is some ‘man of god’?” he wrote.

Alimi further emphasized that camouflage clothing is not exclusively a military uniform. “Camouflage is also not a military outfit, it is fashion and you get arrested for wearing it,” he noted. According to Nigerian law, impersonating military personnel, including through the wearing of military-like attire, is prohibited. This includes wearing camouflage or other regimental markings unless sanctioned for specific purposes.

According to the Nigerian Criminal Code, civilians are not allowed to wear military uniforms without explicit approval. Section 110(1) of the Criminal Code states, “It is unlawful for any person who is not serving in any of the armed forces in Nigeria to wear the uniform of the armed forces.” Alimi referred to this legal provision, expressing his belief that there is a discrepancy in how the law is applied to ordinary Nigerians compared to influential figures such as Adeboye.

Alimi’s criticism of Adeboye’s attire was framed as an example of the larger issue of inequality in Nigerian society. He contended that the law seems to favor the rich or powerful, with figures like Adeboye seemingly able to bypass regulations that would penalize ordinary citizens. “You can make one law for the poor and another for the rich or so-called men of god,” Alimi commented, alluding to the perceived disparity in the treatment of different social classes.