Rape Allegation: COZA cancels special yearly “Seven Days of Glory”
COZA Founder, Pastor Abiodun Fatoyinbo
Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) has cancelled its yearly special programme “Seven Days of Glory”, scheduled to hold from July 1-7, 2019.
Senior Pastor, Abiodun Fatoyinbo, made the announcement to members on Sunday during church service.
Fatoyinbo revealed that the cancellation followed consultation with his spiritual leaders and church elders who asked him not to put the special guests through the risk of protests amid allegations of rape against him.
He added that his “elders” were handling the situation and he expressed sadness at the huge deployment of security agents in the church.
Protesters had on Sunday stormed the church in Abuja over the rape allegation against the Founder of the church, Biodun Fatoyinbo, bearing placards with inscriptions such as ‘Thou shall not rape’, and ‘Your pastor is not your God’, the protesters are calling on the pastor to step down, and be investigated, among other things.
Busola Dakolo, photographer and wife of musician Timi Dakolo had accused Pastor Abiodun Fatoyinbo,
of rape in an interview with YNaija on Friday.
Mrs Dakolo said that Fatoyinbo did the act when she was 18 years old at her parents’ home.
The allegation sparked social media storm, with thousands sharing their views on the issue, while several celebrities expressed their support for her and called for an investigation into the matter.
The COZA senior pastor has since denied the rape allegations.
The special programme COZA7DG, usually has several international pastors in attendance and this year’s edition is meant to host Pastor John Hannah, Pastor Korede Komaiya and Prophet Gideon Danso.