The Redeemed Christian Church of God has reacted to the allegations of homosexuality and sexual assault on young male members of the church.
Subsequently, the church has released a dedicated phone number and an email address for church members and the public to submit evidence to, as part of its investigation into allegations of homosexuality against two youth leaders.
Reports emerged on Tuesday that Pastor Ayorinde AdeBello and Deacon Oke Mayowa have been suspended from their positions following allegations of homosexual misconduct involving young church members. The two leaders have denied the accusation.
“I categorically affirm that I am innocent of the allegations against me,” Ayorinde asserted in response to the allegation via his Instagram account.
This is even as the church has tasked the Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Administration to thoroughly investigate the allegations within two weeks.
In a statement issued late Tuesday and signed by RCCG’s National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, and titled “RCCG Addresses Allegations Against Youth Ministers,” the church encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
“We encourage anyone with pertinent evidence that could assist our investigation to come forward. Please note that only substantiated evidence directly related to this case will be considered; other submissions will not be reviewed.
“All evidence should be forwarded to the Special Assistant to the General Overseer [Administration] via [email protected] or 09039000700. Your cooperation will reinforce our commitment to justice and ensure a thorough resolution.
“As a precautionary measure, the Youth Ministers have been placed on indefinite suspension and removed from all ministerial duties until we can fully address these allegations.
“We are dedicated to transparency and will not tolerate any actions that contradict our core values nor cover up wrongful conduct.
“We appreciate any assistance in this matter and ask that individuals or groups with tangible evidence provide the necessary details,” the statement noted.
It may be recalled that the RCCG had announced the suspension of two ministers, Pastor Ayorinde AdeBello and Deacon Oke Mayowa.
These developments follow viral allegations of homosexuality after the popular blog Gistlover released a list of prominent Nigerians allegedly involved.
Social media reactions had identified several individuals, including Pastor Ayorinde.
In reaction, the RCCG issued an internal memo dated 28th October 2024 and signed by RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, titled “RCCG Suspends Two Pastors Amidst Homosexuality Allegations.”
Akande informed the church’s Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Administration of the decision to temporarily relieve the accused of their duties while the church conducts an investigation.
In the memo, Akande underscored RCCG’s commitment to upholding biblical principles.
“Our mission is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible, and we must address these allegations with the seriousness they deserve.
“The RCCG’s stance on homosexuality is based on passages such as Leviticus 18:22, which describes same-sex relations as an ‘abomination,’ and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, which warns that the ‘unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God.’
“For RCCG, adhering to these principles is seen as a core part of its mission,” the statement noted.
Akande called for the inquiry to be handled with confidentiality and respect for all involved parties, stating that the church’s leadership had requested that the investigation be concluded within two weeks.
During this period, Akande instructed AdeBello, Mayowa, and any others allegedly involved to refrain from participating in any church activities, clarifying that the suspension is a precautionary measure pending the outcome of the investigation.
“This is a matter of integrity and adherence to our values,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, one of the suspended pastors, Ayorinde, responded in an Instagram post with an official statement titled “My Response to the Allegation of Sodomising Teenagers,” denying all accusations.
“In the past few days, allegations have been made against me and others via a blog on social media known as Gistlover.
“I had initially wanted to respond as soon as the allegations came to my attention, but I was advised not to, as I was not the only one named, and we may have been included to drive engagement on the blog.
“However, as these allegations have now escalated into criminal accusations, I am compelled to respond, as my prolonged silence has been misconstrued as an admission of guilt.
“It was alleged that I have engaged in sodomy with male teenagers, implying that I have been having sex with them. It was also claimed that I demanded sex from males as payment or gratification to offer them assistance, platforms, or positions as a kingmaker. Some individuals were mentioned as those with whom I have allegedly had such relationships and to whom I have given platforms.
“A damaging picture was posted online, portraying me as allegedly having sodomised one Mr. Jedidiah. A screenshot of a conversation in a WhatsApp group for male teenagers was also posted online.
“I have never sodomised or had sex with any male teenager, nor have I had any sexual interactions with Mr. Jedidiah or proposed sex to him for any reason.
“The questions in the screenshot were asked during a conversation in the group. The teenagers were taught about hygiene, the appropriate types of underwear to purchase, and that girth and length determine size. I also reassured them that their sizes should not impact their self-esteem and that they are perfectly and uniquely created by God.
“Please, note that we have covered a range of topics in the WhatsApp group, including Bible studies, prayer meetings, academics, career choices, life skills, and discussions on father-son and mother-son relationships.
“We have also discussed interactions with females, specifically how to respect and relate to them, which the teenagers in the group, particularly the male National Teens Executives, can attest to.
“The instigators and accusers have used anonymity as their weapon of choice, attacking me from various quarters.
“Now, I have clarified the WhatsApp screenshot, which is the only ‘evidence’ presented. I categorically affirm that I am innocent of the allegations against me,” he concluded.
