“COOKING IS NOT A SCRIPTURAL YARDSTICK FOR MARRIAGE“ — BISHOPS FAULT PASTOR ENOCH ADEBOYE, SPARK DEBATE OVER FAITH, FAMILY VALUES AND MODERN REALITIES

A fresh wave of debate has emerged within Nigeria’s Christian community following comments by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, cautioning men against marrying women who cannot cook.

Bishops under the aegis of the Ecumenical Synods of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles and Senior Clergy have openly disagreed with the revered cleric, describing his position as personal opinion rather than a binding biblical principle.

Adeboye issued the warning during the May edition of the Holy Ghost Service on Saturday, where he offered marital guidance to young men. In his counsel, he warned against making marriage decisions based solely on physical attraction or superficial qualities, noting that such choices could lead to long-term consequences.

He said, “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.

Citing Sarah and the Shunamite woman as biblical examples of hospitable cooks, Adeboye said, “Don’t marry a girl who cannot cook. We are talking of excellent counsel. Only I can tell you these things. Even if a prophet says this is your wife, if she can’t cook, say ‘Thank you, keep her.’”

However, reacting to the remarks, the International Secretary of the bishops’ body, Archbishop Osazee William, pushed back, emphasizing that the ability to cook should not be elevated to a determining factor in marriage.

William, while speaking on Sunday said, “Is it scriptural for a man not to marry a woman who cannot cook? Even men can cook. This is not directly opposing the father of faith, who is a revered God’s general, but this is an opinion.”

Expanding on his stance, the cleric, who also serves as President of the International Fellowship of Ecumenical Ministries, argued that deeper qualities such as character, godliness, and industriousness should take precedence over domestic skills.

He added that individuals who lack cooking skills could learn over time, stressing that marriage decisions should be based on broader qualities.

“What about a good cook that is a witch? What about a woman who can cook and becomes obsessed with cooking to the extent that she loses character? You can know how to cook and not be neat or hygienic. Man shall not live by bread alone.

“If a person does not know how to cook, the person can learn. You can even buy a cookery book. I think the yardstick for marrying is a good, godly and industrious character.”

William further pointed to changing economic and social dynamics, noting that traditional domestic expectations are evolving, with many women now serving as primary earners in their households.

According to him, these realities mean that roles within marriages are increasingly flexible, and domestic responsibilities such as cooking may not always fall solely on women.

“There are so many women who are breadwinners and do not have time to cook. You can be a good cook and all you know is cooking and nothing else. Men need more than delicious meals. Such a career woman only needs to employ a good cook,” he added.

Beyond the cooking debate, Adeboye also used the platform to caution men against entering financially burdensome marriages. He warned that extravagant wedding plans that could plunge couples into debt should be reconsidered, even at late stages of preparation.

“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 you have and get you into debt, call it off.

“The girl you are going to marry must not be heavily made up. If you look at the girl, the hair on her head is from India. The eyelashes are false. The nails of the hand are false. The nails of the toes are false. You must ask yourself the question, ‘What is behind the mask?”

He further referenced biblical teachings to support his views, warning that excessive emphasis on outward appearance could be misleading, drawing parallels with the story of Jezebel in 2 Kings 9:30–37.

The contrasting positions have since ignited broader conversations across religious and social spaces, with many weighing the balance between traditional expectations, scriptural interpretations, and the realities of modern relationships.