The Senior Pastor of
the Covenant Christian Centre, Poju Oyemade, has said that he was heartbroken
after watching Busola Dakolo’s interview on YNaija.
Mrs Dakolo had
alleged that she was raped by Biodun Fatoyinbo, founder of the Commonwealth of
Zion Assembly (COZA), an allegation the pastor denies.
Mr Oyemade shared
his thoughts on Monday via Instagram moments before the embattled pastor of the
Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) announced that he was stepping down.
Mr Oyemade said he
was addressing the matter based on requests by many about his position on the
issue.
He said he could
only watch the tape for a few minutes as ”it was difficult to sit through it.”
“I immediately
contacted the spiritual leader in the Body of Christ I believe Pastor Biodun
defers in authority to, to wade into the issue and bring about a decision.
“He informed me of
his position. It was that Pst Biodun should first step down from the pulpit
indefinitely, suspend 7days of glory and make a public statement. These he made
known to him directly in an hour.”
He said they had
three objectives in mind – justice, healing and redemption.
“It is apparent that
the manner in which our Pentecostal Churches were/are born with an individual
receiving a call directly from God and we all operating largely as independent
bodies, our governing structures are not as strong as in the orthodox church
settings with the exemption of Pentecostal denominations where you are
appointed a pastor and can be easily sanctioned.”
Adeyemi’s reaction
Also, Sam Adeyemi,
the senior pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, has demanded prayers for the
church and families of the accused and accuser.
In an Instagram post
on Monday, Mr Adeyemi said there should be a legal process to establish the
truth on the rape allegation.
“My attention has
been drawn to the allegations of rape made against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo by
Mrs Busola Dakolo. These are, no doubt, serious allegations. Rape is a crime
and I say a firm NO to rape,” he said.
“As Christians, it
is only appropriate for us to seek for truth, justice, healing, and restoration
for all involved. The Bible instructs us to do this with humility (Galatians
6:1).
“While these are
still allegations, I empathise with Mrs Dakolo and everyone that has been
affected, and I pray God’s peace for them at this time.
“While the
allegations have been refuted, I hope there will be a process, legal or
counselling, to establish the truth in these circumstances.
“Meanwhile, let us
pray for peace and strength for everyone hurting in this process, for the
families of the accusers and the accused, and the Church.”
Mr Fatoyinbo on Monday announced that he would be “taking a
leave of absence from the pulpit of the church.”
The pastor’s decision
came amid public outcry which called on him to step down and address the
numerous rape and sex allegations levelled against him by several women aside
from Busola.
Mr Fatoyinbo said he
made the decision after consulting several spiritual leaders around the world
and the leadership of COZA.
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