Founder of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, has shunned the panel set up by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) to investigate the rape allegation against him by Busola, wife of singer, Timi Dakolo.
PFN National Publicity Secretary, Bishop Emma Isong, told reporters on Thursday that Fatoyinbo failed to honour invitations of the five-member investigative panel.
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Isong, however, said that Busola and Timi appeared before the panel.
The PFN spokesman declared the probe inconclusive, declaring PFN’s disappointment at Fatoyinbo’s refusal to appear before the panel even after he reached out to the body for intervention.
Isong said: “Unfortunately, several attempts to meet Pastor Biodun of COZA church, who is one of the important parties in this matter, failed despite efforts by the fact-finding committee to get his attention or appearance.
“The PFN, however, appreciates the respect that Mrs Dakolo gave in her personal appearance, together with her husband, to state her side of the story.
“Arising from this, the PFN, unfortunately, wishes to announce its inability to come into a conclusion on this matter. We may make a further statement on a later date. But certainly, for now, Nigerians and well-meaning people are our witnesses that we have fulfilled scriptural, public and moral expectations as a reasonable and legal organisation.”
Busola alleged in June that Pastor Fatoyinbo raped her as a teenager in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The allegation caused a storm with protesters marching to the church in Abuja and its branch in Lagos to express their displeasure.
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Fatoyinbo thereafter announced on July 1 that he was drawing counsel from Christian leaders and COZA leadership and his ‘love for God’s work’ in his decision to step down.
The preacher has, however, returned to the pulpit one month after stepping down.
