REDEPTION CAMP, Nigeria—Pastor Ayorinde AdeBello of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, has denied recent misconduct allegations involving homosexuality with minors in the church, which led to his suspension by the church.
The RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, confirmed the suspension of AdeBello and Deacon Oke Mayowa in a memo dated October 28, 2024, pending an investigation into accusations circulating on social media.
In a statement shared on Instagram titled “My Response to the Allegation of Sodomizing Teenagers,” AdeBello addressed the allegations for the first time, noting that his initial silence had been misconstrued as an admission of guilt.
The RCCG pastor firmly denied the accusations of homosexuality, which claim that he demanded sexual favours from male parishioners in exchange for assistance, platforms, or leadership positions within the church.
“In the past few days, some allegations were made against me and some others via a blog on social media known as Gist Lover,” the embattled cleric wrote.
“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. It was alleged that I have engaged in sodomy with male teenagers implying that I have been having sex with them.
“It was alleged that I demanded sex from males as payment or gratification in order to give them assistance, platforms or positions as a king maker. Some persons were mentioned as people I have allegedly had such relationship with and given platforms.
“A damaging picture was posted online portraying me as having allegedly sodomized one Mr. Jedidiah. A screenshot of a conversation on a male teenagers’ WhatsApp group was posted online.”
“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 Mr. Jedidiah 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.”
“I have never sodomized or had sex with any male teenager before,” AdeBello stated, adding that he has not demanded sexual favours as a form of gratification.
The controversy arose after a blog post on social media platform Gist Lover alleged misconduct involving AdeBello and other church leaders.
In his response, AdeBello clarified that a screenshot circulating on social media was taken out of context, asserting it was “mischievously quoted” to imply misconduct.
He noted that his church group’s WhatsApp conversations cover a range of topics, including Bible study, prayer, academics, career guidance, and respectful relationships with women.
“Many who do not know me have vilely attacked me from various quarters,” he expressed, stating his disappointment over the anonymous accusations.
As the RCCG leadership continues to investigate, AdeBello maintains his innocence, criticising the reliance on anonymous sources and underscoring the lack of concrete evidence.
“Please note that we have discussed a variety of topics in the WhatsApp group, including Bible studies, prayer meetings, academics, career choices, life skills, father-son and mother-son relationships,” the cleric added.
“We have also discussed relationships with females, particularly on how to relate to and respect them, which the teenagers on the group especially the male National Teens Executives in the group can attest to.
“The instigators and accusers have used anonymity as their weapon of choice and struck from the shadows. Many who do not know me, have vilely attacked me from various quarters.”
“Now I have clearly explained the screenshot WhatsApp message which is the only “evidence” that has been presented. I categorically affirm that I am innocent of the allegations against me,” he concluded.
The church has yet to release further details on the investigation timeline or outcomes.
