Pastor Ayorinde AdeBello of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has debunked allegations of being involved in homosexuality.
AdeBello and Deacon Oke Mayowa have been suspended by the church while the allegations are investigated.
A memo dated October 28, 2024, and signed by RCCG’s national overseer Pastor Sunday Akande said the accused persons have been temporarily relieved of their responsibilities within the church.
However, in a statement posted on Instagram on Monday, AdeBello said his prolonged silence was misconstrued as an “admission of guilt”, prompting his response.
He said that a viral WhatsApp screenshot being circulated was taken out of context, noting that the conversation was about male reproductive health and self-esteem within a teenagers’ WhatsApp group.
“In the past few days, some allegations were made against me and some others via a blog on social media known as Gist Lover,” the statement reads.
“I had wanted to respond immediately it was brought to my attention, but I was advised not to, as I was not the only one named, and all of us may have been mentioned to drive engagement on the blog.
“However, as these allegations have escalated to criminal claims, I am compelled to respond as my prolonged silence has been misconstrued as an admission of guilt.
“I have NEVER demanded for sex from any male as payment or gratification in order to give them assistance, platforms or positions. God is the only King Maker, the only One who can raise and erase kings, give positions and platforms.
“I have NEVER had sex with Mr Jedidiah or proposed sex to him for any reason.
“The questions in the screenshot were asked during a conversation in a male teenagers WhatsApp group where discussions regarding Male Reproductive Health and Self Esteem took place.
“The teenagers were taught about the right hygiene for reproductive health, the right kind of underwear to buy, and that the girth and length determines the underwear size. I also explained that their sizes should not affect their self-esteem and that they are perfectly and uniquely created by God.
“It is disheartening to see that the screenshot message has now been mischievously quoted out of context to portray me as someone who has sex with male teenagers.”