Rape Scandal: Nigerians React As COZA Pastor Steps Down

By Abimbola Johnson On Jul 1, 2019

Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) on Monday stepped down as general overseer of the church.

Fatoyinbo’s move follows accusation of rape by celebrity photographer Busola Dakolo.

Although Fatoyinbo has denied all the accusations, the pastor said his decision to step down followed counsel from Christian leaders all over the world.

He said, “The past few days have been sobering for me. I have taken time to pray and seek spiritual counsel from Christian leaders around the world, who feel very concerned about the ongoing reports in the media. I have solicited their guidance on actions, I should take that are honouring to our Lord Jesus Christ and the work, he has called me to do.

“Drawing from their counsel and that of the leadership of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly and owing to my love for God’s word and sacred honour of my calling, I have decided to take a leave of absence from the pulpit of the church.”

THE WHISTLER in this report gathered reaction from Nigerians.

See reactions below:

This is a good first step. A process that helps fully resolve the saga would be the best Next Step. pic.twitter.com/DYIe1xyQHa
— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) July 1, 2019

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Biodun Fatoyinbo has taken a “leave of absence from the pulpit…” It is the right thing to do at this time. Credit to the elders who provided the counsel. This was a necessary first step. pic.twitter.com/JFzCmfoTYu
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) July 1, 2019

Now that COZA Pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo has "stepped down", can we now ask the DAKOLOs when they are reporting to the police for proper investigation and trial if necessary?
— Lere Olayinka – Aresa 1 (@OlayinkaLere) July 1, 2019

I sincerely hope that Pastor Biodun's stepping down would create a shift in the 'touch not my annoited' mantra that has permeated our religious space for ages. Our religious leaders should be put under check, whenever they err. Kudos to Pastor Poju for his intervention.
— Toppyega victor (@Toppyegavictor) July 1, 2019

Now that Pastor Fatoyinbo Steps Down As COZA Pastor Pending Investigations, children of hate are finally happy. #cozaprotest
— Naza Innocent Madu (@Nazainnocent) July 1, 2019

How is taking Leave of Absence and Stepping Down the same thing ? Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo may decide to come back in 6 months time, when he feels he’s been cleansed spiritually and ready to preach the gospel again. #cozaprotest pic.twitter.com/xkej7LSWsN
— Dr. PamPam | Omo Iya Ologi (@thepamilerin) July 1, 2019

Biodun Fatoyinbo already step down as the Head Pastor of COZA not because he agreed to the Rape allegations but because it’s bad PR to the church.
— Adeyemi “Urban” Oba (@ItsAdeyemiOba) July 1, 2019

Dear, pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo,

I want to commend you for the courage you took by stepping down as General Overseer of #COZA. Thanks for listening to me, @DrJoeAbah, @akahnnani, Pastor Poju & every one who staged #Cozaprotest. The next thing is to start praying for mercy from God pic.twitter.com/jObhBrA3Di
— Ọládélé Dàda (@realoladele) July 1, 2019

Actually, the next step is going to jail if found guilty
— MikelGbenga (@Michael88697463) July 1, 2019

Biodun Fatoyinbo Busola Dakolo COZA RAPE Rape Allegation