Representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Sunday voiced their support for embattled COZA pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo at the church’s branch in Abuja over allegations of rape against him.
Fatoyinbo has been publicly accused by two women, Busola Dakolo and another who sought anonymity, of forcefully having sexual intercourse with them in different places and at different times.
The allegations had forced the pastor to step down from the pulpit after protests were staged at various branches of COZA by concerned Nigerians.
CAN, which has been faulted by the public for its silence on the issue, clarified its position by sending its representatives who climbed the stage to express their support for Fatoyinbo and the church as a whole, saying they are keeping the accused in their prayers. One of the two men told the excited church members, “We are in support of the church, we are in support of your pastor, we stand by him and this church will continue to match forward.”
So CAN representatives went to COZA to show support for Biodun Fatoyinbo yesterday. Nigeria really is a “special” country lol pic.twitter.com/03ELk13XtP
— Wole (@Kingwole) July 15, 2019
Fatoyinbo himself was present during the fanfare.
A number of religious leaders have also chimed in on their position on the rape allegation against the COZA pastor, with Pastor Poju Oyemade and Pastor Sam Adeyemi calling for proper investigation and justice where necessary.