‘I have never had sex with male teenagers’ – RCCG priest suspended

Ayorinde AdeBello, pastor Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has denied allegations of homosexual relations with male youths in its care.

Mr. AdeBello is a prominent leader of the Pastors Seed Family (PSF) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, which consists of Pastors, Ministers and Workers children (seeds) between the ages of 13 and 30.

She is also the organizer of the ‘It’ and ‘Women’s conferences’, annual events aimed at empowering and guiding young men and women in the church.

The seriousness of the situation is also highlighted by the fact that the famous youth pastor has been in the news for the past few days after a popular gossip blog claimed that he was engaging in same-sex relationships with young men and offering opportunities in return. good deeds. The blog also shared a leaked WhatsApp chat that claimed Mr AdeBello was asking teenagers questions about sexuality.

As a result, copies of AdeBello’s suspension notices, one from RCCG headquarters and the other from Pastors’ Seeds Family, surfaced online on Tuesday.

But following reports of suspensions from church officials, Mr. AdeBello denied the claim in an Instagram post on Monday.

Suspension

His suspension was stated in an internal memo dated October 28, signed by the RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, titled “RCCG Dismisses Two Pastors Amid Homosexuality Allegations.”

Another priest, Deacon Oke Mayowa, was also suspended.

The church reiterated its stance against homosexual acts, citing verses in Leviticus 18:22 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, and stated that both men were suspended from their responsibilities within the RCCG pending the completion of the investigation, which is expected to be concluded within two weeks. complete.

In an internal memo dated October 25, Pastors Seed Family (PSF) suspended Mr. AdeBello from his leadership position pending the outcome of the investigation.

The statement, signed by PSF Global Council Secretary Laolu Oroge, reads: “We are writing to inform you (Pastor AdeBello) that all your responsibilities within the RCCG Pastors Seed Family have been suspended with immediate effect. This decision comes in light of serious allegations regarding your inappropriate behavior towards young men.” These allegations undermine the core values ​​of the RCCG Pastors Seed Family, which include holiness, accountability, transparency and the protection of all individuals, especially the vulnerable.

“During this period, you must step down from your position and relinquish all related responsibilities and privileges, including removal from all platforms related to the Pastors Seed Family. This is in response to screenshots of your interactions in a WhatsApp group of teenage boys, where you describe inappropriate and unethical discourse (authority and “In the spirit of integrity, we recommend that you voluntarily resign from all other positions you hold within and outside the Church.”

I am innocent

Addressing the allegations and his suspension in an Instagram post on Monday, Mr AdeBello denied all allegations, explained the content of the messages shared and dismissed the accusations as ‘defamatory and unfounded’.

“Recently, very serious accusations were made against me through a blog on social media. I initially refrained from responding, hoping not to stir up interest with false claims. However, since the allegations reached the level of a crime, I felt the need to make a statement.

“I have allegedly solicited sex from men as payment or gratification to provide them with support, platforms or decisive positions. Some people were mentioned as people with whom I allegedly had such relationships and gave platforms. A damaging photo has been published online alleging me as sexually abusing Mr Jedidiah.”

Mr AdeBello denied the allegations and continued: “I have never had sex with any man. I have never committed sodomy or engaged in any inappropriate intercourse with male youths or anyone under my guidance. I have never had sex with or propositioned Mr. Jedidiah. I have never requested or requested any form of inappropriate action as payment or favors in exchange for opportunities or platforms.

misunderstood

The priest claimed his innocence and said the alleged evidence showing the conversation in a teenage WhatsApp group was a misunderstood lesson about reproductive health and self-confidence.

The embattled cleric said: “The messages shared in the screenshot depict a completely misunderstood conversation. It was part of a discussion on reproductive health and self-confidence in a youth WhatsApp group. “The group also discussed Bible studies, academic advice and respectful relationships. ”

Mr AdeBello claimed his innocence and stated that the message was deliberately taken out of context to damage his reputation.

He said: “It is disheartening to see the screenshot message mischievously quoted out of context to portray me as someone who has sex with male teenagers. The agitators and accusers used it as their weapon of choice to remain hidden and attacked from the shadows. Many people who did not know me vilely attacked me from various quarters. Now “I have clearly explained the screenshot of the WhatsApp message, which is the only ‘evidence’ presented, and I unequivocally declare that I am innocent of the allegations against me.”

Investigation

RCCG PSF also confirmed that an independent investigation will be conducted to verify the allegations against Mr AdeBello.

The statement said: “Predatory behavior towards those to whom we owe a duty of care is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated if justified. We also owe those we are called to serve, educate, and protect a duty to hear, investigate, and redress complaints and allegations made against those in positions of influence and authority. Therefore, an independent, impartial investigation will be conducted. “If the allegations are substantiated, this will result in your indefinite suspension from any role within the organization.”

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PSF called on the youth pastor to cooperate with the investigation and refrain from any action that could jeopardize the integrity of the investigation due to serious allegations.

“We recognize the seriousness of this situation and are determined to ensure that the truth comes to light and the necessary action is taken in response to these allegations. “We expect your immediate compliance and would like to remind you that these allegations constitute a crime against the state and are punishable by law if you are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”