Ayorinde AdeBello, a pastor suspended by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has vehemently denied allegations of homosexuality.
The allegations led to his suspension, along with another pastor, as announced in an RCCG memo dated October 28, 2024.
The memo, signed by Sunday Akande, RCCG’s national overseer, ordered a thorough investigation into the allegations and temporarily relieved the accused individuals of their responsibilities within the church.
Akande emphasized that the church’s doctrine does not tolerate or allow any act of homosexuality, citing biblical references.
AdeBello took to his Instagram page to deny the allegations, stating, “I never engaged in sodomy with male teenagers”.
The pastor said his prolonged silence was misconstrued as an “admission of guilt”, prompting his response.
AdeBello clarified that a viral WhatsApp screenshot being circulated was misquoted and taken out of context.
He claimed the conversation was actually 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 (*) 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.”
