The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has said it is awaiting the outcome of an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct levelled against one of its pastors in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
The church’s Publicity Secretary, Lanre Oyegbola, confirmed on Saturday that the RCCG was aware of the allegations involving the pastor attached to the Strongtower parish located near Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.
The pastor came under public scrutiny after a dramatic confrontation during a church service in which a female student accused him of attempted rape and sexual coercion.
In a viral video circulating online, the lady narrated how the pastor allegedly invited her to his residence under the guise of collecting food she bought for him before allegedly making sexual advances towards her.
According to her, the pastor allegedly attempted to force himself on her after she arrived at his residence.
“You said can I help you get pounded yam and egusi soup, do you remember that? I knew that this man (pastor) was trying something again, so I gave an excuse but you said you will wait for me to finish whatever I was doing and get you the pounded yam and egusi soup,” she said.
The lady further alleged that despite her resistance, the pastor continued making advances and later requested oral sex.
“Then you were trying to rape me and I kept closing my legs. I was telling you no. You did it to the extent that you asked me to give you head (oral sex),” she alleged.
She also claimed that the pastor boasted about having similar encounters with other female church members.
In the same video, the accused pastor was seen responding briefly after taking the microphone.
“She has spoken right, and the story is sweet, let me ask her…,” he said before the clip ended.
Following the incident, reports emerged that other women had also raised allegations of unwanted sexual advances and abuse of pastoral authority against the cleric.
Reacting to the controversy, Oyegbola stated that the church was waiting for the outcome of investigations reportedly being conducted by the school authorities before taking further action.
“I have been able to confirm that the church is aware of the allegations and is waiting for the outcome of the investigation of the school authority to know the next steps,” he said.
When asked whether the pastor had been suspended pending the investigation, Oyegbola replied, “an allegation is being investigated, so the church is awaiting the outcome of the investigation by the school.”