The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has suspended two ministers, Pastor Ayorinde Adebello and Deacon Oke Mayowa following allegations of homosexuality.
The church further called on the public with relevant evidence against its pastors accused of homosexuality to present them for investigation. The church also provided an email address (rccgadm@gmail.com) and phone number (09039000700) for submitting information. It emphasized that only substantiated evidence will be reviewed.
In a statement announcing their suspension, the National Overseer of the church, Pastor Sunday Akande, who signed the internal memo, informed the church’s Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Administration of the decision of the church to temporarily relieve the accused from their responsibilities pending investigation into the matter.
The statement read in part: “This memo serves to inform you of serious allegations of homosexuality against Pastor Adebello and Deacon Mayowa. In accordance with the church’s mission and commitment to upholding the teachings of the Bible, we must address these allegations with the upmost seriousness it deserves.”
Meanwhile, Adebello, one of the accused pastors, denied the allegation of homosexuality. He said he has never engaged in sodomy with male teenagers. The pastor said his prolonged silence was misconstrued as an “admission of guilt”, prompting his response.
AdeBello also clarified that a viral WhatsApp screenshot being circulated was misquoted and taken out of context. He claimed the conversation was actually about male reproductive health and self-esteem within a teenagers’ WhatsApp group.
He claimed that his delayed response was based on advice, given that other individuals were also named in the accusations.
He said: “I never engaged in sodomy with male teenagers. I have never demanded sex from any male as payment or gratification to give them assistance, platforms, or positions.”