A group of Christian leaders under the Ecumenical Synods of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles and Senior Clergy has disagreed with the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye, over his advice that men should not marry women who cannot cook.
Adeboye made the remark during the May edition of the Holy Ghost Service while addressing young men on marital choices.
The cleric cautioned men against making marriage decisions based solely on physical appearance.
He stressed that spiritual discernment and domestic competence should take precedence over physical attraction and social status, warning men not to be carried away by outward appearance.
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.’”
Reacting, the International Secretary of the bishops’ group, Osazee William, said the position was not a scriptural requirement.
“Is it scriptural for a man not to marry a woman who cannot cook? Even men can cook… this is an opinion,” he told Sunday PUNCH.
William stressed that character, values and godliness should be the primary considerations in choosing a spouse.
“The yardstick for marrying is a good, godly and industrious character,” he said.
He added that cooking is a skill that can be learned over time.
“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,” he said.
The cleric also pointed to changing economic realities, noting that many women are now breadwinners and may not have time for domestic duties.
“There are so many women who are breadwinners and do not have time to cook… such a career woman only needs to employ a good cook,” he said.
During the same programme, Adeboye advised men to reconsider marriage if a prospective bride insists on an expensive wedding that could lead to debt.
He also cautioned against excessive use of cosmetics, urging men to look beyond outward appearance.
“The girl you are going to marry must not be heavily made up… You must ask yourself, ‘What is behind the mask?’” he said.
