The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is currently investigating serious allegations of sodomy against two of its youth pastors. Pastor Sunday Akande, the National Overseer of the church, addressed the situation in a recent interview emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the allegations and the church’s commitment to thoroughly investigate the claims.
Pastor Akande revealed that a panel has been established to look into the allegations, stating, “The reason for the suspension is to also allow persons who were said to have been molested or harassed to come forward and testify against the pastors.” He noted that, as of now, no victims have stepped forward to report harassment. “To the best of my knowledge, nobody has come forward yet as a victim of harassment,” he added.
This situation marks a significant moment for the church, as Akande pointed out, “This is the first time an allegation like this has been raised against the church.” He reassured the congregation and the public that the church does not condone such behavior and is committed to addressing any wrongdoing. “If we see anything like this, the church will investigate it and see how we can address it,” he said.
The controversy erupted following reports from the blog Gistlovers, which accused the youth pastors of luring teenage boys into homosexuality and negatively influencing their behavior. According to the blog, a 20-year-old anonymous source claimed that the pastors “influenced many into being gay.” The blog also included a statement alleging that one of the pastors had been involved in inappropriate activities while supposedly conducting Bible studies.
One of the accused pastors firmly denied the allegations, stating, “I have never demanded sex from any male as payment or gratification in order to give them assistance, platforms, or positions.” He defended his actions by explaining that the discussions within a male teenagers’ WhatsApp group focused on reproductive health and self-esteem, not inappropriate behavior.
In a formal letter dated October 28, the church announced the suspension of the two pastors, reaffirming its commitment to upholding biblical teachings. The decision reflects the church’s approach to serious allegations and its intention to maintain integrity within its ranks.
In a related development, the family of one of the accused pastors has taken legal action against Gistlovers. They filed a petition with the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon, alleging defamation of character. Their lawyer, Adekunle Adeyinka, insisted that the allegations are baseless and have caused significant emotional distress to the pastor, placing their family’s safety at risk from potential backlash.
As the investigation continues, the church has called for transparency and cooperation from anyone with relevant information.
