REDEMPTION CITY, Nigeria – The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, has suspended Pastor Ayorinde AdeBello and Deacon Oke Mayowa following serious allegations of homosexuality involving young congregants.
The church has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter, with an expectation of a report within two weeks.
An internal memo, dated Monday, October 28, 2024, titled “Investigation and Suspension Regarding Allegations of Homosexuality” and signed by RCCG National Overseer Pastor Sunday Akande, outlined the church’s commitment to addressing the accusations.
“This memo serves to inform you of serious allegations of homosexuality against Pastor Ayorinde AdeBello and Dcn. Oke Mayowa,” it stated.
“In accordance with our mission’s commitment to upholding the teachings of the Bible, we must address these allegations with the utmost seriousness.”
The memo emphasized that the RCCG does not condone homosexuality, grounding its position in specific biblical teachings.
“As you are aware, the doctrine of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) does not allow or tolerate any act of homosexuality. This stance is firmly rooted in biblical teachings, including but not limited to: Leviticus 18:22: ‘You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.’”
Formal Suspension and Instructions for Pastor AdeBello
A letter of suspension, dated October 25, 2024, addressed directly to Pastor AdeBello and signed by Laolu Oroge, Secretary of the RCCG Pastors Seed Family (PSF) Global Council, provided additional context on the church’s position and detailed his responsibilities during the investigation.
The letter was clear on RCCG’s stance, describing AdeBello’s alleged actions as “gravely unacceptable.”
“We write to inform you of your immediate suspension from any responsibilities within the RCCG Pastors Seed Family. This decision comes in light of the serious allegations that have materialised about your inappropriate conduct with teenage boys,” the letter read.
“These allegations undermine the core values of the RCCG Pastors Seed Family, which include holiness, accountability, transparency, and the protection of all individuals, particularly the vulnerable.”
The RCCG has instructed AdeBello to “step down from [his] position and relinquish all associated responsibilities and privileges, including removal from all Pastors Seed Family related platforms.”
The church further stated that this directive was issued due to “screenshots of [AdeBello’s] interactions on a WhatsApp group of teenage boys…where you encouraged inappropriate and unethical discourse, [something] any sensible person of authority and influence should not do.”
Expectations During the Investigation Period
In its communication, RCCG reinforced the importance of maintaining integrity and cooperation throughout the investigation.
“We expect your prompt compliance, given the seriousness of the allegations and wish to remind you that these allegations are criminal offences against the state and punishable by law, where a person is proven to be guilty beyond any reasonable doubts,” Oroge’s letter continued.
The letter cited Acts 24:16, urging AdeBello to maintain “a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.”
The church emphasized its commitment to uncovering the truth and outlined that, should the allegations be substantiated, AdeBello and Mayowa would face indefinite removal from their positions.
“If the allegations are substantiated, it will result in your indefinite removal from any office within the organisation.”
RCCG’s investigation will proceed under the direction of the Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Administration.
