The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has suspended two pastors – Ayorinde AdeBello and Deacon Oke Mayowa, over trending allegations of homoséxuality.
The church announced the suspension in a memo dated October 28, 2024, and signed by Sunday Akande, its national overseer.
The letter, addressed to the special assistant to the general overseer of administration, ordered a thorough investigation into the allegations against the pastors.
The memo further stated that the church’s doctrine does not allow or tolerate any act of homoséxuality, citing biblical references.
Akande disclosed that the accused persons have been temporarily relieved of their responsibilities within the RCCG.
He added that an investigation would be conducted within two weeks.
The memo reads: “This memo serves to inform you of serious allegations of homosexuality against…
“In accordance with our mission’s commitment to upholding the teachings of the Bible, we must address these allegations with the utmost seriousness it deserves.
“As you are aware, the doctrine of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) does not allow or tolerate any act of homosexuality. This stance is firmly rooted in biblical teachings, including but not limited to: Leviticus 18:22: ‘You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.’
“1 Corinthians 6:9-10: Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality.
“In light of these allegations, you are now directed to conduct a thorough investigation.
Furthermore… and all others who are alleged are to be temporarily relieved from all of their responsibilities in all mission organs pending the outcome of this investigation, which is expected to be concluded within two weeks.
“It is crucial that we handle this situation with care and integrity, and in accordance with our values as a church. Please ensure that the investigation is conducted confidentially and with respect for all parties involved.
“Thank you for your cooperation.”
But in a reaction to the allegations, AdeBello denied involvement in any homosexual acts, saying “I never engaged in sodomy with male teenagers.”
He said that his comments in a WhatsApp conversation, which went viral, were misconstrued and taken out of context.
He explained that the discussion in question focused on issues of male reproductive health and self-esteem within a teenage WhatsApp group, which he claimed was misrepresented.
“In the past few days, some allegations were made against me and some others via a blog on social media known as Gist Lover.
“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,” he wrote on his Instagram page.