The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has announced the suspension of Pastor Ayorinde AdeBello following allegations of homosexuality.
The suspension, which also includes another pastor, was communicated through an official memo dated October 28, 2024, signed by the RCCG's national overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande.
According to the memo, the RCCG has initiated a thorough investigation into the allegations against AdeBello and the second pastor, temporarily relieving both individuals of their responsibilities within the church.
Akande underscored that the RCCG strictly upholds biblical teachings, which, he stated, do not permit any form of homosexuality.
AdeBello responded to the allegations on Instagram, denying involvement in any acts of sodomy. "I never engaged in sodomy with male teenagers," he wrote, asserting that his previous silence on the matter had been misinterpreted as a sign of guilt.
He claimed that his comments in a WhatsApp conversation, which went viral, were taken out of context.
The pastor clarified that the discussion in question focused on issues of male reproductive health and self-esteem within a teenage WhatsApp group, which he insists was misconstrued.
"In the past few days, some allegations were made against me and some others via a blog on social media known as Gist Lover," the statement reads.
"I had wanted to respond immediately it was brought to my attention, but I was advised not to, as I was not the only one named, and all of us may have been mentioned to drive engagement on the blog.
"However, as these allegations have escalated to criminal claims, I am compelled to respond as my prolonged silence has been misconstrued as an admission of guilt.
"I have NEVER demanded for sex from any male as payment or gratification in order to give them assistance, platforms or positions. God is the only King Maker, the only One who can raise and erase kings, give positions and platforms.
"I have NEVER had sex with (*) or proposed sex to him for any reason.
"The questions in the screenshot were asked during a conversation in a male teenagers WhatsApp group where discussions regarding Male Reproductive Health and Self Esteem took place.
"The teenagers were taught about the right hygiene for reproductive health, the right kind of underwear to buy, and that the girth and length determines the underwear size. I also explained that their sizes should not affect their self-esteem and that they are perfectly and uniquely created by God.
"It is disheartening to see that the screenshot message has now been mischievously quoted out of context to portray me as someone who has sex with male teenagers."
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