The Christian Association of Nigeria has pledged support for embattled pastor of the Commonwealth of Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyionbo, amid rape allegations made against him by Busola Dakolo, wife of popular musician, Timi.
This is a reversal of the association’s previous stance on the rape scandal—having claimed that COZA is not a member and that getting involved in the case would be outside its jurisdiction.
In a video shared in the early hours of yesterday, which went viral on social media, CAN officials were seen at COZA’s Sunday service, where they declared solidarity for Fatoyinbo and the church.
Among them were Jonah Samson, FCT CAN chairman, and Israel Akanji, chairman of the north-central zone of CAN.
“It’s a pleasure being here and I assure you that we are with you and we will continue to be with you. We are in support of the church. We are in support of your pastor.
“We stand by him and this church will continue to march forward. I say and I declare; the gates of hell shall not prevail in any church in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen,” ” Samson said.
Akanji described the rape allegation as a ‘Jerusalem-Jericho road’ and added that he is obliged to take a supportive stance on behalf of the church and the concerned clergyman.
“How can I and then, the FCT chairman hear that one church that God has a plan and purpose for is going through this Jerusalem-Jericho road and then, we will walk away? We will not do such a thing. We are here to just let you know we are with you in prayer. The Lord will bring you out even stronger. Our pastor here, by the grace of God, will continue to be the voice of God, to proclaim (to) the whole nations of the world the mysteries of Jesus Christ. You are not alone.”
Fatoyinbo has been in the centre of the rape scandal since Busola alleged he sexually defiled when she was a teenager.