COZA founder, Abiodun Fatoyinbo steps down over rape allegation
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
Admin l Monday, July 01, 2019
ABUJA, Nigeria – Founder Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, Pastor Abiodun Fatoyinbo has taken leave of absence from ministration following the uproar that trailed allegation of rape levelled against him by Busola Dakolo, a professional photographer and wife of R&B singer Timi Dakolo.
Busola Dakola had alleged that the COZA pastor sexually abused her in his living room years back when the pastor visited her home on a particular morning, while she was living at Ilorin, Kwara State. She alleged that she was still in her night wears when the pastor arrived in the early morning and pushed her into the sofa as soon as she opened the door and undressed to have fun with her.
The pastor has denied all the allegation, claiming that it was false adding that “he would never rape anyone even as an unbeliever”.
But in a statement today, the pastor said that he is steping aside from his calling following the uproar that followed the allegation.
He is steping aside as many stormed the church protesting the development. He said he took the decision based on counsel from the leadership of COZA and his love for God.
“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 will break my heart to tatters to stay a day without 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 down enables me to submit to the concern of my spiritual mentors as they consider all the issues that have been raised against me”, he said.
