Biodun Fatoyinbo, the erstwhile founder of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, COZA, has stepped down as Pastor of the church.
This comes a day after thousands of Nigerians protested over rape allegations levelled against the pastor by Busola Dakolo, wife of singer Timi Dakolo.
Busola Dakolo had in her interview with Chude Jidonwo, narrated how she was raped by Biodun Fatoyinbo when she was 17.
Her revelation angered Nigerians who shed their political rivalry and called on the pastor to step down.
Fatoyinbo in an emotionally laden post on Instagram said “The past few days have been very sobering for me. I have taken time to pray and seek spiritual counsel from Christian leaders around the world who feel very concerned about the ongoing reports in the media.
” I have solicited their guidance on actions I should take that are honouring to our Lord Jesus Christ and the work He has called me to do.
” Drawing from their counsel and that of the leadership of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly and owing to my love for God’s work and the sacred honour of my calling, I have decided to take a leave of absence from the pulpit of the church.
” Although it would break my heart to tatters to stay a day without doing
ministry I believe it is the right thing to do at this time. It is in the interest of the flock of Christ that issues concerning me do not become a distraction to their worship of their Lord.
“This step enables me to submit to the concerns of my spiritual mentors as
they consider all the issues that have been raised against me.
” My confidence in the Lord remains unwavering. Though, I do not
understand all that is happening, I trust the Lord to lead and guide me one step at a time. Kindly pray for me and the congregation of COZA as we seek the face of the Lord during these turbulent times.
“Thank you and God bless you”