TheCable

In the wake of the rape allegations against Biodun Fatoyinbo, founder of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), some Nigerians have called for his resignation as senior pastor of the church.

Fatoyinbo has been the subject of controversy on social media platforms after a video emerged where Busola Dakolo, a celebrity photographer and wife of Timi Dakolo, accused him of “forcefully defiling” her as a teenager.

The rape narrative quickly gained negative traction  across the internet with many airing their differing views on the incident.

In the heat of the Twitter spat, Stella Damasus, Nollywood actress, also took to her account to narrate how the COZA pastor raped a friend she had known for 15 years.

This is not the first time that Fatoyinbo would be accused of rape or having sexual encounters with church members.

The most prominent was that of Ese Walter in 2013. Walter shared her experience on a self-named blog, which has now been deleted.

A huge number of Nigerians have taken to Twitter to demand that Fatoyinbo step down from his position as the senior pastor — using the hastag #PastorStepDown.

They also vowed to storm the headquarters of his church in Abuja on Sunday to protest.

Here are some reactions from Nigerians on Twitter:

#PastorStepDown is Trending in 🇳🇬

If by a great miracle Biodun Fatoyinbo steps down, if Important to note that Pastor Flo CAN NOT take over, he has been named by at least two women of knowing about his senior pastor's behaviour.
He's helped cover it up.

Advertisement

— Wale Gates (@walegates) June 29, 2019

“Touch not my anointed “ Ogbeni relax, we are all anointed and we are touching ourselves this time #PastorStepDown pic.twitter.com/WYpbuIlpjw

— Erica's Father in-law (@Justapollion) June 29, 2019

Advertisement

-Man of God is NOT God.
-Man of God is NOT infallible.
-Man of God can be called to order. #PastorBiodun#PastorStepDown#COZA

Advertisement

— Gentleman Bastard (@ozee_ozee) June 29, 2019

I don’t know how the same people who thread PMB should follow due process in removing the former CJN are the ones threading #PastorStepDown, what is the difference in what you are doing and what the PMB did to former CJN. Just #StandForTheTruth and let the court decide

— BARCELONA FT MESSI (@OAlademerin) June 29, 2019

Advertisement

https://twitter.com/OlutosinGbenga/status/1145011598207180800

https://twitter.com/Ebubechukwu_/status/1145011230492569600

https://twitter.com/olutayomarcus/status/1145010240410279936

This is not an attempt to break this table that has already been broken on all streets,neither is it an attempt to judge people's actions. Reading comments closely I noticed the ignorant ones.RAPE leaves victims broken & damaged for a long time.#EndRape #PastorStepDown

— Taribo Joseph (@taribojoseph) June 29, 2019

https://twitter.com/admaxworld/status/1145004580645875712

https://twitter.com/marketulous/status/1145003000315940865

#PastorStepDown step down or we invite Amadioha to force you step down because we know you are not call by God and I know deep inside me that you Rape Busola , nothing anybody will tell me I know you do it

— P.MASTER (@peter_nuhu) June 29, 2019

This has gone on long enough.
Whether it’s a cook up, conspiracy or what else, he is the Senior Pastor, not the church. In honour of law and respect to humanity; let the Board of Trustees step in.
From this my obscure corner, I say##PastorStepDown

— Rhodes Code (@RhodaCaleb) June 29, 2019

Now it is #PastorStepDown all over, neglecting the fact that someone out there is about to give #Herdsmen our land for free (RUGA). It is better you follow this movement #HerdsmenWontGetNigerianLand instead. SAVE YOUR LAND!

— Toni (@Tonimorntanah) June 29, 2019

https://twitter.com/BodaMajidi/status/1145008976440037377

The stories are too dreadful and too many, the crime is horrendous, it is foolhardy and suicidal for COZA pastor to continue at the pulpit without first coming clean, and getting help from this achilles heels of his #PastorStepDown

— Abiola Dauda (@77abiola) June 29, 2019

We must demand accountabilityfrom our leaders including the church. We are also Gods anointed and should not be touched in a wrong way. Time for Biodun Fatoyinbo to do the honorable for himself and the church and answer all the questions #PastorStepDown

— Adaora Okoli (@dorakoli) June 29, 2019

But wait and think, why is the issue of rape permanently skewed in favour of women and against men. I don't think anyone should take sides just simply because of your sex or your favorite celeb took a position. Before you tweet #PastorStepDown, at least try and know the truth!

— President Olusegun (@OAkindunjoye) June 29, 2019

Nigerians to Pator Biodun Fatoyinbo 👇#PastorStepDown pic.twitter.com/cAjwnlSP4B

— ToXiCBuDdY™®~ (@emybuddy) June 29, 2019

When a pastor makes bad moves then we the church needs to help the pastor by telling
him #PastorStepDown

— Adéwọyin Fẹ́rànmi (@iam_feran) June 29, 2019

So with whose power has this pastor been casting out demons and binding evil spirits all this while? I mean, you can't be fornicating with virtually all your female church members and still be operating with the power of the holy spirit.#PastorStepDown pic.twitter.com/hOH8HR2ZY3

— Nwa Eze (@Tallesty1) June 29, 2019

My worry about the @pastorbiodun saga isn't in the veracity or fabrication of the rape accusations, it is in the verifiable fact that a Pastor can have the boldness to commit adultery with several church members & still end up toying around with d name of Christ. #PastorStepDown

— Juan ⭕ (@Johnreh) June 29, 2019

… To those #COZA members who'd wake up tomorrow morning, dress in their Sunday best to listen to the "Word of God" from #PastorBiodun, who do you live with yourselves? What spirit do you want to worship with? How do you intend to connect with God in that church? #PastorStepDown

— Jefferson Ozorh (@JeffersonOzorh) June 29, 2019

While emotions are flying everywhere, let’s also remember that defamation of character is just as much a crime as rape. By all means let’s get to the bottom of this, may we all learn. Meanwhile have you heard about #RUGA?#COZA#PastorStepDown#BiodunFatoyinbo#BusolaDakolo

— The.Khan.Of.Khans (@allhailthekhan) June 29, 2019

Busola mentioned names of pastors and leaders who came over to her house to settle the issue with her family. One of them is currently a pastor heading the PH branch according to her. They are silent too ba? #PastorStepDown

— Olubukola (@Olubu_kola) June 29, 2019

I think the best thing to do @BiodunFatoyinbo is to step down and submit yourself to investigation. #PastorStepDown.

— Kenneth Nkemnacho (@kennethvision) June 29, 2019