It has been an ongoing tussle in the last 10days as Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo was accused of violent sexual misconduct by Busola Dakolo, wife of popular musician, Timi Dakolo and former member of his church, Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, COZA. Mrs Dakolo’s allegations, recounted in a video interview with YNaija, sparked wholesale condemnations and protests for the preacher’s resignation.
Busola Dakolo’s rape allegations against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo continueS to generate reactions and Nigerians seem to be expecting certain religious leaders to make comments about the allegations.
Since Busola’s explosive video interview with YNaija went viral, some highly respected religious leaders like Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the founder of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi were expected to have reacted to the rape allegations.
However, two weeks after Busola accused Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), many top pastors have reacted to the claim. Below are some of their statements.
PASTOR POJU OYEMADE
Oyemade, has revealed that the spiritual father to Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), told him to step down amid the rape allegations levelled against him by Timi Dakolo’s wife Busola Dakolo.In a lengthy Instagram post, Oyemade, who had invited Fatoyinbo to preach in his church a few times, also explained why the COZA founder cannot be easily sanctioned.He wrote: “My position on the case. “I have been asked by many well meaning people about my position concerning the accusation of rape made against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo. “I could only watch the tape by Busola Dakolo for a few minutes, it was difficult to sit through it. From what I heard it is impossible not to be heart broken and sympathise with her. She must have gone through a lot and then to sit to tape her experience must have been very painful. “She is today a wife and mother of three to have to relive a 20yr old experience.
“I immediately contacted the spiritual leader in the Body of Christ I believe Pastor Biodun deferrs in authority to, to wade into the issue and bring about a decision. “He informed me 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. “This should serve as the first step. He informed me that was the position and asked my opinion.“We had 3 objectives in mind.
1. Justice 2. Healing 3. Redemption. “I have been informed that the decision to step down and cancel the 7 days of Glory have been made. “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. “This however makes it imperative that we go an extra mile to show a high level of compassion and sense of responsibility for people placed under our care or else what has brought our great growth may be what will destroy us.
“For those who have been abused and exposed in our independent pentecostal structures, I deeply apologise and we will seek to build stronger structures through peer reviews and in our relationships.Thank you and God bless you.”
PASTOR FUNKE ADEJUMO
“The past few days have been heavy, not just in a general sense of a national reckoning but in a very personal sense as some of us who pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, the founder of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly considers leaders and mentors in the faith have worked quietly behind the scenes following the serious allegations of rape made by Busola Dakolo.
It has taken me time to speak publicly about this because work first had to be done to enable the process of resolution. this was the more urgent, personal task. today, I am thankful to God for the counsel that has seen Biodun step down to allow the process of fact finding, healing, restitution and justice continue.
Also so that the congregation that God has entrusted into our hands are guided with love, integrity and wisdom. The House of God should remain a safe space for all. No form of abuse should have a place in God’s house. My deepest sympathy is with everyone who has experienced broken trust from the church. Busola. Every girl. Every boy. Every child. Man. Woman. The church is embracing accountability – and it is exactly as Jesus has requested that we must. ffa… honoring God and blessing humanity”
PASTOR SAM ADEYEMI
The Senior Pastor of Daystar Church Christian Center, Pastor Sam Adeyemi, has weighed in and shared his view on treading issue of rape allegation from Timi Dakolo’s wife, Busola Dakolo against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, COZA. The man of God who said that his attention was only recently drawn to the accusation levied against Biodun Fatoyinbo hammered on how serious the crime of molestation is. According to him, he does not take the accusation lightly, and though it is only yet an accusation, he would like the matter to be pursued legally to a very conclusive end.
However, Sam Adeyemi asserted that he would like Truth, Justice, Healing and Restoration to prevail amidst this crisis. Against this background, he prayed for everyone entangled in this matter. He wrote: “The past few days have been very sobering on me I have taken time to seek spiritual counsel form Christian leaders around the world who feel very concerned about the ongoing report in the media.“I have solicited their guidance on actions I should take that is honouring to our Lord Jesus Christ and the work he has called me to do.
PASTOR NIKE ADEYEMI
This she wrote on her Instagram page: “The burden I woke up with after I hardly slept through the the night. My eyes fell on this book lying across the room which I had hardly read. Broused for answers I already knew and I knew this is what I wanted to say today. Speak up if you’ve ever been abused whether you are a believer or not, you’d walk in freedom. Get help, professional counseling from trained experts.
As for those who carry out, perpetuate and cover up abuse in our homes, places of worship, offices, government, schools and communities, God is watching you in 3-D because He is a merciful God yet a jealous God. He will not share His glory with man, neither will anyone go unpunished who would allow children to suffer unjustly. Parents protect your children as much as you can, don’t be trusting and careless.
I have seen enough at @drealwoman and #lovehomeorphanage. Reaching out to prostitutes in brothels and on the streets since 1997 I know that lives are damaged from abuse of any sort especially sexual abuse, rape being the worst. Victims should get help and not be silent .Children often are silent out of fear. Parents as guardians be watchful over your wards.#endrape #notorape preventionisbetter #burdenedmother”.
PASTOR YEMI DAVIDS
Pastor Yemi Davids of Global Impact Church has also confirmed that popular musician, Timi Dakolo and his wife, Busola got married in his church. This was shortly after Dakolo released evidence showing that he never got married at Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, COZA, as being speculated. Busola had recently narrated how COZA Senior Pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo allegedly forced his way into her when she was a teenager. Fatoyinbo, who denied the allegation, however, admitted that Busola once attended the same church with his family. The clergyman consequently ordered his lawyers to institute both criminal and civil cases against Busola. Following the controversies generated by the allegation, Fatoyinbo had disclosed his decision to step down momentarily as COZA Senior Pastor.
In a bid to rubbish Busola’s claim, some Nigerians who are sympathetic to Fatoyinbo had alleged that she got married to Dakolo in COZA and was offered a huge amount and a car as wedding gifts. Dakolo, however, dismissed the claim yesterday with evidence of his wedding and the officiating Minister. Confirming Dakolo’s evidence, David confirmed that the couple got married in his church. Davids also revealed that he has been privy to some personal struggles Busola has had over the years.
In an Instagram post, David wrote: “Hmmm I feel the need to do this as a husband, father and Pastor. @busoladakolo got married from our church to @timidakolo and as a friend to the family, I’ve been privy to some of the personal struggles Busola has had over the years, based on the details she expressed at the recent interview. This is her truth and it should be honoured.
“I commend her for her bravery and I pray this helps her healing process. I also noticed that there was a denial of the allegation. It is important that the truth comes out. Rape is a serious offence and it is unacceptable. A process that unveils the truth in this hurtful situation in the body must begin immediately… “We leaders must be accountable and I support arriving at Justice, Healing and Resolution at this matter. #TruthSetsFree #SayNoToRape.”
TAYO FAJORIN OYEDIJI
