RCCG Pastor Ayorinde AdeBello denies homosexuality allegations amid suspension

Pastor Ayorinde AdeBello of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has denied allegations of homosexuality, which led to his recent suspension from church duties.

In an official memo dated October 28, 2024, RCCG National Overseer Pastor Sunday Akande confirmed the suspension, pending a thorough investigation into the allegations reported by SaharaReporters.

Breaking his silence on Instagram, AdeBello clarified that his initial decision to remain quiet had been misinterpreted as an admission of guilt. In a post titled “My Response To The Allegation Of Sodomizing Teenagers,” he firmly denied the accusations, stressing that he has never solicited sexual favors from any male in exchange for assistance, platforms, or positions within the church.

AdeBello noted that the allegations against him lack tangible evidence, relying only on a screenshot allegedly circulated in a WhatsApp group. He expressed disappointment that individuals unfamiliar with his character have used these unsubstantiated claims to attack him, even as investigations are ongoing.

RCCG has yet to provide further details regarding the timeline or specifics of the inquiry into the matter.

“In the past few days, some allegations were made against me and some others via a blog on social media known as Gist Lover,” he wrote. “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. It was alleged that I have engaged in sodomy with male teenagers implying that I have been having sex with them.

“It was alleged that I demanded sex from males as payment or gratification in order to give them assistance, platforms or positions as a king maker. Some persons were mentioned as people I have allegedly had such relationship with and given platforms.

“A damaging picture was posted online portraying me as having allegedly sodomized one Mr. Jedidiah. A screenshot of a conversation on a male teenagers’ WhatsApp group was posted online.”

Denying the allegations, he said, “I have never sodomized or had sex with any male teenager before.

“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.”

According to him, it is disheartening to see that the screenshot message has now been mischievously quoted out of context to portray him as someone who has sex with male teenagers.

He said, “Please note that we have discussed a variety of topics in the WhatsApp group, including Bible studies, prayer meetings, academics, career choices, life skills, father-son and mother-son relationships.

“We have also discussed relationships with females, particularly on how to relate to and respect them, which the teenagers on the group especially the male National Teens Executives in the group can attest to.

“The instigators and accusers have used anonymity as their weapon of choice and struck from the shadows. Many who do not know me, have vilely attacked me from various quarters.”

“Now I have clearly explained the screenshot WhatsApp message which is the only “evidence” that has been presented. I categorically affirm that I am innocent of the allegations against me,” he explained.