A pastor from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Ayorinde AdeBello, has responded to serious allegations of homosexuality involving young members of his church. He and another church member, Deacon Oke Mayowa, were suspended following these claims.
The church’s national overseer, Sunday Akande, announced the suspensions in a letter dated October 28, 2024. The RCCG has asked for a thorough investigation into the allegations to be completed within two weeks. The church emphasized that its beliefs do not allow or tolerate any form of homosexuality.
Pastor AdeBello took to Instagram to deny the accusations, stating, “I have never engaged in sexual activities with any male teenager.” He explained that comments he made in a WhatsApp group chat were taken out of context. According to him, the discussion was about male reproductive health and self-esteem, not anything inappropriate.
In his post titled “My Response to the Allegations of Sodomizing Teenagers,” he mentioned that he initially wanted to reply quickly but was advised to wait, as he was not the only one implicated. He expressed concern that his silence was being interpreted as an admission of guilt. AdeBello firmly stated, “I have NEVER demanded sex from anyone for help or support.” He concluded by affirming that only God can grant positions and authority in the church.
“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 teenager 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 determine 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.
“It is disheartening to see that the screenshot message has now been mischievously quoted out of context to portray me as someone who has sex with male teenagers.”
