Biodun Fatoyinbo, founder of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, COZA, has returned to the pulpit a month after announcing he was taking a leave of absence.
Busola Dakolo, a celebrity photographer and wife of Timi Dakolo, a popular soul singer, granted an interview to YNaija in which she recounted how Fatoyinbo raped her twice, when she was 16 years. In a 2-hour interview she recounts being attacked in her mother’s house and in his car.
Fatoyinbo’s initial reaction was to deny the allegations and threaten to commence criminal action against the Dakolos. But, after pressure from fellow Pentecostal leaders, he announced that he was taking a leave of absence from his church.
But, he never left the role of senior pastor of COZA, and now, he is back on the pulpit. On Sunday, August 4, 2019, Biodun Fatoyinbo launched his return to the pulpit by preaching about victories.
The pastor, citing examples from the Bible, told the congregation that Christians cannot avoid persecution but God would always make them come out victorious.
He urged the members not to rely on their own wisdom when faced with challenges, but should always call on God.
“As a Christian, you must face opposition. If God, who is holy and faithful has enemies, you are sure going to have,” he said.
“In wrestling, any method can be used. When faced with challenging circumstances, pray, fast, decree, confess and prophesy God’s victory over your life.
“Most contrary situations around you are set up by the enemy to ripple your faith and keep you on a spot.”
Prior to the interview being published, Bukola Dakolo had filed a complaint with the police against the preacher in Lagos. Weeks after the scandal broke, the pastor had also filed a compliant against the Dakolos in Abuja.
The inspector-general of police of Nigeria had ordered the case to to be investigated by the Force Criminal Investigation Unit of Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.
