The embattled founder and leader of the Commonwealth Of Zion
Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo, has announced that he would be
”taking a leave of absence from the pulpit of the church.”
Mr. Fatoyinbo revealed this in a statement on his official
Instagram page on Monday morning.
The pastor’s latest decision came amid public outcry which
called on him to step down and address the rape allegations
levelled against him by Busola, wife of popular singer, Timi
Dakolo, on Friday.
In the statement, Mr. Fatoyinbo said he took the decision after
consulting with several spiritual leaders around the world and the
leadership of COZA.
He wrote, ”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.
”Though I do not understand all that is happening, I trust the
lord to guide and lead me one step at a time. Kindly pray for me
and the congregation as we seek the face of the lord at these
turbulent times.”
The controversial pastor has held Nigerian headlines since
Thursday morning when the interview of one of his alleged victims
was made public.
Mrs Dakolo, a former member of COZA, told YNaija in the
emotional interview that she was 16 when Mr Fatoyinbo raped her in
Ilorin, Kwara State.
The allegations prompted condemnation of the preacher, who has
faced previous allegations of sexual misconduct from two women.
On Sunday, scores of protesters gathered at the church’s
headquarters in Abuja to march against Mr Fatoyinbo.
Simultaneous protests were held in Lagos and Abuja.
Meanwhile, Mr. Dakolo, has announced the mobilisation of a
seven-day protest to demand justice for his wife, Busola.
The singer revealed this in a statement on Sunday and added that
the protest will also help seek justice for other women who have
been allegedly raped by the COZA pastor and other pastors.
The protest will take place at COZA (Lagos and Abuja), Ministry
of Justice and the Police Headquarters from July 1 to July 7.
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