A popular Nigerian pastor accused of rape has returned to the pulpit one month after taking a “leave of absence”.
Biodun Fatoyinbo, who is the founder and senior pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (Coza) in the capital, Abuja, was accused on 28 June by celebrity photographer Busola Dakolo of raping her twice when she was a teenager.
Mr Fatoyinbo denied the accusation and the police are currently investigating the case.
He said he was taking a leave of absence on 1 July after protesters at branches of the church called for him to step down.
In a packed church on Sunday, the pastor delivered a sermon titled, Sudden Victories.
He said Christians would always face persecution, but God would ensure that they were victorious.
Ms Dakolo, who is married to popular musician Timi Dakolo, made the allegation of rape in a video that went viral on social media, with some saying it has triggered Nigeria’s #MeToo moment.
With news of the pastor returning to the pulpit, his name was trending on Twitter on Sunday with many people on social media expressing shock and anger:
Y’all really thought Fatoyinbo would step permanently as the head pastor of COZA. Lol…tap your forehead three times.
Now wake up.
— MOYINOLUWALOGO (@seuntHeOG) August 4, 2019
So Biodun Fatoyinbo is back on the Pulpit…..I lose hope in Nigeria again
— Morgan of Lagos (@morganreloaded) August 4, 2019
Why is she and her husband not suing Biodun Fatoyinbo already? Didn’t they know he’s back on the pulpit and the whole matter is about to go down the drain without no nothing? Are they really serious about this justice they have been clamoring for?
— Segun M. Hassan (@Afobaje__) August 4, 2019
We ranted, we protested, we marched all for nothing. Biodun Fatoyinbo is back on the pulpit. We only called “angry, bitter feminists” in return.
This is just fantastic!
— Aminat Sanni-Kamal (@thisblackwoman_) August 4, 2019
Source: BBC