The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) has distanced itself from the rape scandal rocking the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) and its founder, Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo. This is just as Nigerian youths plan protest in Abuja tomorrow Sunday at the church.
CAN President, Rev. Supo Ayoukunle, said the association did not have the authority to look into the matter.
It will be recalled that Busola Dakolo, a popular photographer and wife of Timi Dakolo accused Pastor Fatoyinbo of raping her twice as a young girl.
However, Fatoyinbo denied the allegation in a statement issued out and posted on his Instagram page stating that he would press charges against Busola Dakolo, her husband and others involved directly and indirectly in the rape accusation.
While reacting to the issue, the CAN president’s media aide, Pastor Oladeji Adebayo, said CAN would not interfere in the matter as it only serves as a mouthpiece between the church and the government.
“I am sorry CAN does not intervene in how churches are running. Churches belong to denominations and these are the two bodies that regulate how pastors run their ministries, not CAN. CAN deal with intrareligious matters and stands between the church and the government, “he told New Telegraph.
News Critic reports that despite his denial of the rape allegation, some church members have asked the COZA senior pastor to step down from the pulpit. Meanwhile unconfirmed reports have it that the pastor was expelled from University of Illorin because of offences related to fraud and rape.
In the past six years over four public allegations of rape have been levelled against the pastor by various women, the most prominent being Ese Walters, who told the story of how the pastor took her overseas to sleep with her. As it stands a groundswell of legal action might commence against Fatoyinbo next week in spite of his threat to sue Busola for defamation. Dr Joe Abah said he has set aside a little money to contribute for Busola’s defence.
