The Redeemed Christian Church of God has launched an investigation into allegations of sodomy involving two of its youth pastors, as confirmed by the church’s National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande.
Akande explained that the allegations were unprecedented for the church, prompting a thorough inquiry into the matter.
Akande said a panel has been established to investigate the accusations against the pastors, adding, “The reason for the suspension is to also allow persons who were said to have been molested or harassed to come forward and testify against the pastors. To the best of my knowledge, nobody has come forward yet as a victim of harassment.”
According to an online report, an anonymous 20-year-old alleged that the youth pastors “influenced many into being gay.”
The blog post also claimed that one of the pastors and a former coordinator at RCCG Region 2 used fake Bible study sessions as a means of gathering young boys.
In response to the accusations, one of the pastors stated that he had “never sodomised or had sex with any male teenager.”
He added, “I have never demanded sex from any male as payment or gratification in order to give them assistance, platforms, or positions. God is the only kingmaker, the only one who can raise and erase kings, give positions, and platforms.”
He also clarified that a conversation in a male teenagers’ WhatsApp group, where he discussed male reproductive health and self-esteem, had been taken out of context.
He said, “The teenagers were taught about proper hygiene for reproductive health, the right kind of underwear to buy, and that the girth and length determine 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.”
In light of the allegations, RCCG has suspended the two pastors involved.
The suspension letter, dated Monday, October 28, stated that the decision aligns with the church’s commitment to uphold biblical teachings.
Meanwhile, the family of one of the pastors has filed a defamation petition against the blog, Gistlover, at the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Alagbon, Lagos.
In a statement through their counsel, Adekunle Adeyinka, the family requested an investigation into the blog, insisting that the claims are baseless and have caused “emotional trauma” for their son and posed a security risk due to the negative attention.
