"Whatever is not good for me is not good for my mother": Why Foluke Adeboye threw her gold jewellery into the lagoon after conversion
In a resurfaced video that has sparked fresh conversations across social media, Pastor Foluke Adeboye, wife of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has opened up about a radical decision she made shortly after her conversion—throwing all her gold jewellery into the lagoon [citation:1][citation:5].
The video, which first emerged about two years ago, recently went viral again, drawing reactions from Nigerians who marvel at the depth of her commitment and the strict lifestyle demanded by the church in its early days [citation:1][citation:6].
In this lengthy piece, we explore every detail of her testimony: her love for fashion before Christ, the church's stance on adornment, the dramatic disposal of her gold, the reaction of those around her, and why she has never regretted her decision.
Before the cross: A woman who loved fashion
Foluke Adeboye did not hide the fact that she had a deep passion for fashion and fine things before she gave her life to Christ. In the viral clip, she candidly admits, "Every woman loves fashion" [citation:2][citation:4].
She revealed that over time, she had acquired several expensive gold jewellery pieces, including earrings, necklaces, and other valuables. Some of these were not just for personal use; she had specifically set aside some items for her child, who was under two years old at the time [citation:2][citation:6].
This admission gives context to the scale of her sacrifice. These were not cheap trinkets—they were genuine gold, purchased with care and kept for special occasions and even as inheritance for her child.
The RCCG standard: A taboo on earrings
When she and her husband joined the Redeemed Christian Church of God in its formative years, the church maintained a strict holiness code. According to her, wearing earrings and other forms of gold adornment was considered "a taboo" for believers [citation:1][citation:3][citation:8].
"The moment we were born again in RCCG, it was a taboo for you to have earrings," she stated emphatically [citation:1][citation:7]. This teaching was rooted in the church's early emphasis on modesty, simplicity, and separation from worldly ornamentation.
For many, such a standard might prompt compromise—keeping the jewellery hidden but not worn, or storing it "for later." But for Foluke Adeboye, partial obedience was not an option.
Everything into the lagoon
In a move that still surprises many, she gathered all her gold jewellery—including the pieces meant for her child—and threw them into the lagoon [citation:1][citation:4][citation:9].
"So everything, I dropped it in the lagoon."
— Foluke Adeboye [citation:1]
The lagoon, in this context, refers to the Lagos Lagoon, a body of water that empties into the Atlantic. Her action meant total, irreversible disposal. There was no selling, no giving away, no keeping for a rainy day.
It was a public declaration that her old life—and everything associated with it—was gone forever.
"You should have given them to your mother"
Her decision did not go without comment. She recalled that a family friend—specifically her mother's friend—approached her and questioned the wisdom of throwing away valuable gold.
The woman suggested a more "practical" alternative: "You should have given all these to your mother" [citation:1][citation:2]. The implication was clear—her mother could have sold the items or kept them for the family's benefit. Why destroy wealth?
But Foluke Adeboye's reply revealed the depth of her conviction. She told the woman:
"Whatever is not good for me is not good for my mother."
— Foluke Adeboye [citation:1][citation:5][citation:10]
This statement has become one of the most quoted lines from her testimony. It reflects her belief that the same spiritual standard that applied to her should also apply to her loved ones. To give her mother what she herself considered spiritually harmful would have been an act of hypocrisy.
The copper phase: A brief compromise
Interestingly, her journey of simplicity was not instantaneous. She revealed that for a period after throwing away the gold, she turned to copper accessories as an alternative [citation:2][citation:6].
Copper jewellery was fashionable at the time and seemed like a "neutral" option. She admitted that she spent significant money on copper items as well, perhaps still holding onto the desire to adorn herself.
But eventually, even that fell away. The trajectory shows a gradual but complete transformation—from gold to copper to nothing, as her focus shifted entirely from outward appearance to inward devotion.
"I don't miss anything—I have sold myself"
Decades later, looking back on the gold she cast into the depths, Foluke Adeboye expressed zero regret.
"What would I say I miss? Not much. I have already sold myself."
— Foluke Adeboye [citation:1][citation:2][citation:6]
This powerful phrase—"I have sold myself"—encapsulates her total surrender. She views her life as belonging entirely to God, and material possessions as insignificant compared to the spiritual riches she has gained.
Her testimony continues to resonate because it challenges the prosperity-oriented Christianity that dominates much of modern preaching. In an era where faith is often marketed as a path to wealth, here is a woman who threw wealth away for the sake of faith.
New season: Chancellor of Caleb University
In a beautiful turn of events, February 2026 brought news that Foluke Adeboye had been appointed as the Chancellor of Caleb University, Imota, Lagos [citation:1].
Her appointment came shortly after she was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Humanity (Honoris Causa) during the university's 15th convocation ceremony [citation:1].
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, described her appointment as a significant moment for the institution, calling it "a convergence of scholarship and sanctity"—a rare alignment of intellectual excellence and spiritual authority [citation:1].
The university's Registrar, Mr. Mayokun Olumeru, praised her as "a guardian of values, and a steady moral compass in turbulent times" [citation:1].
For many, this appointment is a fitting recognition of a woman who has spent decades investing in education, family counselling, and youth mentorship, long after the gold disappeared beneath the lagoon's surface.
What does this story mean today?
The resurfacing of this video in 2026 speaks to the timeless power of radical testimony. In a world of influencers, brand deals, and curated luxury, Foluke Adeboye's story stands as a countercultural witness.
Some may see her action as extreme. Others view it as a beautiful metaphor for the cost of discipleship. What is clear is that she acted out of sincere conviction, not for applause.
Her words continue to challenge readers and viewers to examine their own attachments: Is there anything we hold too tightly? Are we willing to let go of what is "good" for the sake of what is best?
📿 Memorable quotes from Foluke Adeboye
- 🗣️ "Every woman loves fashion." [citation:2]
- 🗣️ "It was a taboo for you to have earrings." [citation:1]
- 🗣️ "Everything, I dropped it in the lagoon." [citation:4]
- 🗣️ "Whatever is not good for me is not good for my mother." [citation:5]
- 🗣️ "I don't miss anything, not much." [citation:7]
- 🗣️ "I have already sold myself." [citation:6]
Lessons from the lagoon
There are at least three lessons believers continue to draw from this story:
- Total surrender requires action. It's not enough to feel convicted internally; sometimes obedience demands visible, irreversible steps.
- Spiritual standards are personal. Foluke did not force her mother to throw away jewellery—but she also refused to pass on what she considered unclean.
- Regret fades when purpose remains. Decades later, she does not miss the gold because she found something far more valuable: a life sold out to God.
Conclusion: Still sparkling after all these years
Gold does not rust, but it can be surrendered. Foluke Adeboye's gold now lies at the bottom of the lagoon, unseen and unrecovered. Yet her testimony continues to sparkle, inspiring new generations to consider the cost—and the joy—of wholehearted devotion.
As she steps into her new role at Caleb University, she carries with her the same convictions that led a young woman to drop her jewellery into the water decades ago. And she reminds us all that some treasures are more precious when they are let go.