‘We are seeking justice’ — Poju Oyemade speaks on Fatoyinbo rape allegation

Poju Oyemade, senior pastor Covenant Christian Centre (C3), says it is impossible not to be heartbroken by the experience of Busola Dakolo, celebrity photographer and wife of Timi Dakolo.

Dakolo had alleged that she was raped by Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), while the church was in Ilorin, Kwara state.

Stating his position on the case, Oyemade explained his role in the eventual step down of Fatoyinbo from the pulpit until further notice.

He also said the Fatoyinbo stepping aside is only a first step, that the objective is justice, healing and redemption.

Oyemade apologised to all who have been abused and exposed in the Church, calling on the Church as a whole to do better in Nigeria.

“I have been asked by many well-meaning people about my position concerning the accusation of rape made against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo,” he wrote via Instagram.

“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 heartbroken 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 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.

Oyemade said the Pentecostal churches in the country have to now have stronger governing structures.

“This should serve as the first step. He informed me that was the position and asked my opinion. We had three 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.”

Oyemade invited Fatoyinbo to C3’s flagship annual event WAFBEC in 2018.