The Redeemed Christian Church of God has introduced the suspension of two ministers, Pastor Ayorinde AdeBello and Deacon Oke Mayowa.
These developments comply with viral allegations of homosexuality after the favored weblog Gistlover launched an inventory of outstanding Nigerians allegedly concerned.
Social media reactions have recognized a number of people, together with Pastor Ayorinde.
This was outlined in an inside memo dated twenty eighth October 2024, signed by RCCG Nationwide Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, titled “RCCG Suspends Two Pastors Amidst Homosexuality Allegations.”
Akande knowledgeable the church’s Particular Assistant to the Basic Overseer on Administration of the choice to briefly relieve the accused of their duties whereas the church conducts an investigation.
Within the memo, Akande underscored RCCG’s dedication to upholding biblical ideas.
“Our mission is deeply rooted within the teachings of the Bible, and we should deal with these allegations with the seriousness they deserve,” he said.
The RCCG’s stance on homosexuality relies on passages reminiscent of Leviticus 18:22, which describes same-sex relations as an “abomination,” and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, which warns that the “unrighteous won’t inherit the dominion of God.”
“For RCCG, adhering to those ideas is seen as a core a part of its mission,” Akande additional famous.
Akande directed the Particular Assistant to make sure a radical investigation of the allegations.
He referred to as for the inquiry to be dealt with with confidentiality and respect for all concerned events, stating that the church’s management had requested that the investigation be concluded inside two weeks.
Throughout this era, Akande instructed AdeBello, Mayowa, and any others allegedly concerned to chorus from collaborating in any church actions, clarifying that the suspension is a precautionary measure pending the end result of the investigation.
“It is a matter of integrity and adherence to our values,” he affirmed.
This isn’t the primary time RCCG has encountered challenges associated to doctrinal adherence. As one in every of Nigeria’s largest Christian organisations, RCCG has incessantly addressed points it perceives as opposite to its values, prioritising self-discipline and strict adherence to its interpretation of biblical morality.
The result of the investigation is predicted to affect RCCG’s strategy to related points sooner or later.
The church’s dealing with of this matter might function a message to its international membership, reaffirming RCCG’s dedication to its doctrines amid evolving societal norms.
In the meantime, one of many suspended pastors, Ayorinde, responded in an Instagram put up with an official assertion titled “My Response to the Allegation of Sodomising Youngsters,” denying all accusations.
“Up to now few days, allegations have been made towards me and others through a weblog on social media generally known as Gistlover.
“I had initially needed to reply as quickly because the allegations got here to my consideration, however I used to be suggested to not, as I used to be not the one one named, and we might have been included to drive engagement on the weblog.
“Nonetheless, as these allegations have now escalated into felony accusations, I’m compelled to reply, as my extended silence has been misconstrued as an act of contrition,” the assertion learn.
He maintained that, whether or not for gratification or some other motive, he would by no means interact in such acts and has by no means trapped nor preyed on unsuspecting youngsters.
“It was alleged that I’ve engaged in sodomy with male youngsters, implying that I’ve been having intercourse with them. It was additionally claimed that I demanded intercourse from males as fee or gratification to supply them help, platforms, or positions as a kingmaker. Some people have been talked about as these with whom I’ve allegedly had such relationships and to whom I’ve given platforms.”
He additional said, “A dangerous image was posted on-line, portraying me as allegedly having sodomised one Mr. Jedidiah. A screenshot of a dialog in a WhatsApp group for male youngsters was additionally posted on-line,” he added.
The suspended RCCG minister clarified that the viral WhatsApp message was taken out of context, supposed merely for educating functions inside a male youngsters’ WhatsApp group, the place discussions on male reproductive well being and shallowness have been held.
“I’ve by no means sodomised or had intercourse with any male teenager, nor have I had any sexual interactions with Mr. Jedidiah or proposed intercourse to him for any motive.
“The questions within the screenshot have been requested throughout a dialog within the group. The youngsters have been taught about hygiene, the suitable varieties of underwear to buy, and that girth and size decide measurement. I additionally reassured them that their sizes mustn’t affect their shallowness and that they’re completely and uniquely created by God.”
Ayorinde asserted that the WhatsApp message was mischievously quoted out of context to painting him as somebody who engages in sexual relations with male youngsters.
“Please be aware that we’ve coated a spread of subjects within the WhatsApp group, together with Bible research, prayer conferences, teachers, profession decisions, life abilities, and discussions on father-son and mother-son relationships.
“We’ve got additionally mentioned interactions with females, particularly the best way to respect and relate to them, which the youngsters within the group, notably the male Nationwide Teenagers Executives, can attest to.”
“The instigators and accusers have used anonymity as their weapon of selection, attacking me from varied quarters. Now, I’ve clarified the WhatsApp screenshot, which is the one ‘proof’ offered. I categorically affirm that I’m harmless of the allegations towards me,” he concluded.
