Rape Allegations: He is a very good preacher, Fani-Kayode reacts after COZA Pastor steps down

Published

July 1, 2019

In the face of media outrage and backlash against Biodun Fatoyinbo, the Senior Pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) over rape allegations levelled against him, a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode has spoken in defence of the cleric.

WuzupNaija reports that Busola Dakolo, wife of singer Timi Dakolo had alleged that Fatoyinbo raped her about 20 years ago, the allegation sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians calling on the cleric to step down, while others called for an investigation into the allegations.

The cleric announced on Monday that he is taking a leave of absence from the pulpit over the allegations.

Reacting to the social media outrage, Fani-Kayode took to his Twitter page on Monday and commended the cleric for taking the “courage to step down.”

He described Fatoyinbo as a “very good preacher” who loves God.

He tweeted:

“At least Biodun Fatoyinbo had the decency and courage to step down. How many others can do that?

“I have worshipped at COZA and whatever anyone may say about that young man he really is a very good preacher. He also loves God! I am praying for him! He shall rise again!”

In another tweet, the former Minister condemned what he described as a double standard by Nigerians who protested at the COZA in Abuja on Sunday, saying they couldn’t keep the same energy when an Islamic cleric was recently accused of raping a 16-year-old girl.

He wondered why there was no outrage over the report.

He tweeted:

“An Islamic cleric rapes a 16 year old girl yet no outrage is expressed on social media and no protests at the mosque. Why the double standard?

“Is it because no-one knows the little girl and she comes from a poor home? Is it because she is a Muslim? Is she not a human being too?”

See his tweet:

At least Biodun Fatunyibo had the decency and courage to step down. How many others can do that? I have worshipped at COZA and whatever anyone may say about that young man he really is a very good preacher. He also loves God! I am praying for him! He shall rise again!

— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) July 1, 2019