BREAKING: COZA Pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo Steps Down Amid Rape Allegations
The senior pastor and general overseer of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, has announced his decision to step down from the pulpit till further notice, after Busola Dakolo, wife of R&B singer, Timi Dakolo accused him of raping her when she was just 16 (read the story Here).
Fatoyinbo made the announcement in a statement he released on his Instagram page stating that he would be taking a leave of absence from the pulpit of the church.
This announcement comes a day after Nigerians stormed the Lagos and Abuja branches of COZA on Sunday, June 30, to demand that the pastor step-down.
In his statement, Fatoyinbo, who expressed that it would break his heart to stay away from his ministry, noted that he believes staying away is the right thing to do at the time. The alleged rapist further noted that his confidence in God remains unwavering. Fatoyinbo partly said in the statement on Instagram:
“Owing to my love for God’s work and the sacred honour of my calling, I have decided to take a leave of absence from the pulpit of the church.”
READ ALSO: COZA Pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo Was A Former Cultist In Unilorin -Twitter User, Aliu Bolakale Jabata
Meanwhile, wife of Pastor Fatoyinbo continues to stand by her husband despite various sexual assault allegations from many women. Speaking during the service at COZA Abuja yesterday morning, Modele Fatoyinbo said her husband is not a rapist, even if he was an unbeliever, he would never rape any woman. She was quoted:
“My husband is not a rapist. Even if he was not a believer, he would not be a rapist.”
Just before Mrs Fatoyinbo could complete her speech, her husband collected the microphone from her and stressed that the elders of the church were handling the rape allegation. No sermon was preached in the church.