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October 30, 2024
SaharaReporters reported on Tuesday that Pastor Ayorinde AdeBello and Deacon Oke Mayowa had been suspended from their positions following allegations of homosexual misconduct involving young church members.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has invited the public to submit evidence as part of its investigation into allegations of homosexuality against two of its church leaders.
The church said it has established a reporting channel for members and the public to provide evidence related to the ongoing investigation. The channels provided include sending emails via [email protected] or 09039000700.
SaharaReporters reported on Tuesday that Pastor Ayorinde AdeBello and Deacon Oke Mayowa had been suspended from their positions following allegations of homosexual misconduct involving young church members.
RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, confirmed the suspension in a memo dated October 28, 2024, which SaharaReporters obtained, stated that AdeBello and Mayowa had been temporarily relieved of their church responsibilities.
It had also been reported that the church has given the Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Administration two weeks to thoroughly investigate the allegations.
Late Tuesday evening, SaharaReporters reported that AdeBello had issued a statement denying allegations of homosexuality.
He broke his silence on Instagram, clarifying that his initial silence was misinterpreted as an admission of guilt. He emphatically denied the allegations, seeking to clear his name and restore his reputation.
However, the church has invited anyone with useful information on the alleged atrocious act to come forward.
A statement by RCCG’s National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, and titled “RCCG Addresses Allegations Against Youth Ministers,” the church said, “We encourage anyone with pertinent evidence that could assist our investigation to come forward".
He, however, noted 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,” he said.
Insisting that the church is conducting a comprehensive investigation into these claims, Akande announced that the youth ministers had been placed on indefinite suspension and removed from all ministerial duties until all the allegations were fully addressed.
“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,” he added.
He affirmed that RCCG was founded on principles of holiness, a commitment reflected in all its teachings and practices.
“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 stated.