It was more of a disappointing Sunday service especially for those
who had thronged the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) in Abuja to
listen to the senior pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo, ‘confess his sins’ to
members of his congregation. To genuine worshippers,
it was another Sunday to fellowship in God’s
presence irrespective of the cloud of uncertainty that had enveloped the
church and its General Overseer since on Thursday. Last week, two ladies, Ese Walters and Franca E, came out in
successive revelations to accuse Pastor Biodun of infidelity and s*xual
abuse. As expected, the news generated a lot of heated debates with many
looking to Sunday, today, with the hope that the accused would deny or
confirm the weighty allegations. However, many a hope was dashed as the Pastor decided against
addressing the scandal head-on as he told the fully-packed dome that “If
anyone is accusing you, it is because they need what you have.” Appearing not the least ruffled by the allegations and the backlash
it generated, Pastor Biodun said “I know you have read things about me
on the social media and people advice me not to talk, but ignore it”,
he, however, said for the sake of his congregation, which he would not
want to take for granted, the scandal would be addressed at a later
date. He also admitted that a lot of people attended the church service just to hear what he would say. “Now read my lips” he said, “because I know there are people here
that are not part of my church. We are going to speak but we are
consulting so as to release a robust reply to all the allegations. One
thing you can be assured of is that my wife and I love each other and at
the right time, we shall respond”. Pastor Biodun, however, likened his current travails to the adversity
encountered by Joseph and Isaac in the bible on their way to greatness. The theme of his message which centered on leaving life’s battles to
God, might just be an indication that Pastor Biodun has no intention of
engaging in public debate with his accusers on the allegation of s*xual
impropriety. Meanwhile, in what may just be his biggest support yet since the
scandal broke out, renowned American televangelist and prosperity
preacher, Dr. Mike Murdock, has lent public support to Pastor Biodun on
Twitter. “#PastorBiodun Is One of The Most Integrity Leaders I Have Known. Attack..Is Proof of Divine Favor,” he wrote.
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