Ayorinde AdeBello, pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has denied allegations of homosexual relationships with teenage boys under his care.
Mr. AdeBello is a prominent leader of the Pastors Semillas Family (PSF) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, a body of pastors, ministers and children of workers (semillas) between the ages of 13 and 30.
He is also the convener of the “He” and “She” conferences, which are annual events intended to empower and guide the young men and women of the church.
The seriousness of the situation is underlined by the fact that the famous youth pastor has been in the news in recent days since a popular gossip blog claimed that he maintains homosexual relationships with young men, allegedly offering opportunities in exchange for favors. . The blog also shared a leaked WhatsApp chat that allegedly showed Mr AdeBello asking teenage girls sexuality-related questions.
Consequently, copies of AdeBello's suspension notices, one from RCCG headquarters and the other from Pastors' Seeds Family, appeared online on Tuesday.
However, following reports of suspension by church authorities, AdeBello issued his denial in an Instagram post on Monday.
Suspension
His suspension was outlined in an internal memo dated October 28, signed by RCCG national supervising pastor Sunday Akande, titled “RCCG suspends two pastors amid homosexuality allegations.”
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Deacon Oke Mayowa, another pastor, was also suspended.
The church reiterated its stance against homosexual acts, citing scriptures from Leviticus 18:22 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, and stated that both individuals have been suspended from their responsibilities within RCCG until the investigation, which is expected to conclude, is concluded. in two weeks. finished.
In an internal memo dated October 25, Pastors Seed Family (PSF) suspended Mr. AdeBello from his leadership position pending the outcome of an investigation.
The statement signed by the PSF Global Council Secretary, Laolu Oroge, reads: “We are writing to inform you (Pastor AdeBello) of your immediate suspension from any responsibility within the RCCG Pastors Seed Family. This decision comes in light of serious allegations that have surfaced regarding his inappropriate conduct with teenagers. These allegations undermine the core values of the RCCG Pastors Seed Family, which include sanctity, accountability, transparency and protection of all individuals, particularly the vulnerable.
“During this period, you must resign from your position and renounce all associated responsibilities and privileges, including removal from all platforms related to Pastors Seed Family. This is in response to screenshots of his interactions in a teenage WhatsApp group, where he allegedly encouraged inappropriate and unethical speech – behavior unbecoming of a person of authority and influence. “In the interest of integrity, we recommend that you voluntarily resign from any other positions you hold within and outside the Church.”
I am innocent
Addressing the allegations and his suspension in a public response Monday in an Instagram post, AdeBello denied all allegations, clarified the context of the messages shared and dismissed the allegations as “defamatory and baseless.”
He said: “In recent days serious accusations have been leveled at me via a blog on social media. At first, I refrained from responding, hoping not to fuel the interaction with unsubstantiated claims. However, as the accusations have taken on a criminal tone, I feel obliged to clarify.
“It was alleged that I demanded sex from men as payment or gratification to provide them with help, platforms or positions as kingmakers. Some people were mentioned as people with whom I have supposedly had such relationships and given them platforms. “A damaging image was posted online depicting me as having allegedly sodomized a Mr. Jedidiah.”
AdeBello continued to deny the allegations, stating: “I have never had sexual relations with any man. I have never sodomized or had inappropriate relationships with young males or anyone under my direction. I have never had sexual relations with Mr. Jedidiah nor have I proposed to him for sex. “I have never requested or demanded any type of inappropriate act as payment or favor in exchange for opportunities or platforms.”
misunderstood
The pastor claimed his innocence and noted that alleged evidence showing a conversation from a youth WhatsApp group was a misunderstood lecture on reproductive health and self-esteem.
The embattled cleric said: “The messages shared in a screenshot represent a completely misinterpreted conversation. It was part of a discussion about reproductive health and self-esteem in a young people's WhatsApp group. The group has also discussed Bible studies, academic counseling, and respectful relationships.”
AdeBello claimed he was innocent and said the message was deliberately taken out of context to tarnish his reputation.
He said: “It is disheartening to see that the message in the screenshot has now been maliciously quoted out of context to portray me as someone who has sex with teenage boys. The instigators and accusers have used anonymity as their weapon of choice and have attacked from the shadows. Many who do not know me have vilely attacked me from various sectors. Now, I have clearly explained the screenshot of the WhatsApp message, which is the only 'evidence' presented. “I categorically affirm that I am innocent of the accusations against me.”
Investigation
The RCCG PSF further confirmed that an independent investigation will be conducted to verify the allegations against Mr. AdeBello.
The statement said: “Predatory behavior against those we have a duty of care to is seriously unacceptable and will not be tolerated if found to be true. We also owe those we are called to serve, nurture and protect the duty to listen to, investigate and redress grievances and accusations brought against those in positions of influence and authority. Therefore, an independent and impartial investigation will be carried out. If the allegations are confirmed, it will result in his indefinite dismissal from any position within the organization.”
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The PSF urged the youth pastor to cooperate with the investigation and refrain from any action that could compromise his integrity due to the serious allegations.
“We recognize the seriousness of this situation and are committed to ensuring that the truth is revealed and appropriate action is taken in response to these allegations. We hope for their prompt compliance and wish to remind you that these accusations are criminal offenses against the State and punishable by law, if proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” the statement reads.