The family of Ayorinde AdeBello, a suspended pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has filed a petition against blogger Gistlover over allegations of homosexuality.

The blog had claimed that AdeBello engaged in same-sex relationships with young men, allegedly offering them opportunities in exchange for sexual favours.

The allegations led to the suspension of AdeBello and another pastor as announced in an RCCG memo dated October 28, 2024.

In his defense, AdeBello categorically denied the accusations, stating, “I never engaged in sodomy with male teenagers”.

He said his previous silence was misconstrued as an “admission of guilt,” prompting him to issue a response.

In the petition, addressed to the assistant inspector general of police at FCID Alagbon in Lagos, AdeBello’s family contends that the accusations are unfounded and lack credible evidence.

The family argued that the false claims caused significant emotional distress and jeopardized the pastor’s safety.

They also urged the police authorities to conduct a fair investigation and expressed their willingness to cooperate fully.

“We believe these are fabricated stories and are not substantiated with credible evidence,” the petition reads in part.

“The only “evidence” the blogger presented was an excerpt from a male teenagers WhatsApp group created to discuss different topics which were deliberately isolated and taken out of context, to achieve their evil intentions.

“These unfounded allegations have caused our Clients emotional trauma and has put their security at risk from attacks by these faceless individuals.

“We believe your office is poised to conduct a thorough and analytical investigation to expose the culprits without any recourse to sentiments or hearsay.

“We unequivocally reaffirm that Ayorinde AdeBello is innocent of these spurious allegations.

“Please accept the assurances of our Clients’ cooperation to aid the investigation whilst we seek your prompt response to our Petition.”

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has called on the public with relevant evidence against its pastors accused of homosexuality to present them for investigation.

In a memo dated October 28, 2024, the church announced the indefinite suspension of two youth ministers pending the outcome of the investigations against them.

The memo, signed by Sunday Akande, RCCG’s national overseer, ordered a thorough investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations.

Akande emphasized that the church’s doctrine does not tolerate or allow any act of homosexuality, citing biblical references.

In a statement, according to ChurchTimes, the RCCG urged people with relevant evidence against the pastors to come forward.

The church also provided an email address (rccgadm@gmail.com) and phone number (09039000700) for submitting information. It emphasized that only substantiated evidence will be reviewed.

Ayorinde AdeBello, one of the accused pastors, earlier denied the allegation of homosexuality.

He said he has never engaged in sodomy with male teenagers.

The pastor said his prolonged silence was misconstrued as an “admission of guilt”, prompting his response.

AdeBello also 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.

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.”