The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has suspended a 57-year-old bishop after he was allegedly caught in bed with a priest’s wife.

In a letter, dated 11 December 2020, Rufus Adepoju, who was the Diocesan Bishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) of Ekiti West, was said to have admitted to having sexual relations with the unnamed woman.

The woman’s husband was reportedly in Adepoju’s care and employment.

The suspension letter was signed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev Henry Ndukuba.

The letter read:

“Advent greetings in the precious name of our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ,” the letter said.

“We write with a deep sense of concern and pain to suspend you from office as the Diocesan Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ekiti West.

“This is sequel to your conduct giving just cause for scandal and abhorrent sexual behaviour with the wife of a priest under your employment and care. These facts were admitted by you in a meeting in our office held on Thursday, December 10, 2020.”

Following his suspension, the Bishop would not partake in any church activity for a year, the letter said.

“By this suspension, you are not to partake in any activity of the Diocese as the Diocesan Bishop for a period of one (1) year effective from the date of this letter. Please report and handover to your Archbishop and for further spiritual guidance.”

“It is our prayer that you will use the period to seek the face of God as we join in upholding you in prayers. The supervision of the Diocese of Ekiti is hereby devolved upon us the Primate of All Nigeria. The LORD be with you.”

Adepoju was enthroned bishop of Ekiti West on 27 June 2017 after about 32 years of priesthood and after serving as a venerable for 20 years.

He replaced Oludare Oke, the inaugural Diocesan Bishop of Ekiti West, who retired from office at 70.