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| Outgoing CAN President |
One of the main mother organizations/bodies in charge of churches in Nigeria, the CAN (Christian Association of Nigeria), the other been, the PFN (Pentecostal Federation of Nigeria) has finally lend her voice to the on going imbroglio that came up over the accusation of rape against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of COZA.
A few weeks ago, Busola Dakolo, the beautiful wife of musician Timi Dakolo had broken a massive table and on that table was an unpalatable can of worms, when she accused her former pastor of raping her when she was as young as 16 going to 17 sometimes in the late 90s about 1999 or so. About 20 years later now, what supposedly happened then has now come to the surface and to come and hunt.
The accusation of rape against the now father of 4, who is now 43, who went to the University of Ilorin and Benin, where he found Christ after been a cultist is still raising so much dusts as we speak, with many taking sides for and against. In fact the rape discussion as been one of the top 5 subjects of discussion everywhere since the can of worms was broken open.
CAN had refused to say anything at first, mainly maybe because COZA the church where Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo is the senior pastor and founder is not a member of the body. But finally now after much hoopla, they have thought to respond and what they seek for, is an amicable settlement to the matter. According to CAN they would want the 2 combatants to sheath their swords and seek for peace. Read their communication below.
"The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is seriously concerned about the disturbing situation concerning Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, the General Overseer of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), one of our leading Pastors in the country, on whom allegations of rape has been leveled by one of our daughters, Mrs Timi Dakolo.
It is disheartening how some commentators and columnists have been insulting the Body of Christ in Nigeria as a result of this incident. Like we have earlier stated, it doesn’t matter who is involved, rape is ungodly and reprehensible.
But we have resisted the temptation to jump into any conclusion since a body like ours will be expected to have uncovered the truth about any matter before making public statements and not base its position merely upon media reports.
Although we have disclosed that Pastor Fatoyinbo’s Church has not been an active member of CAN, that does not put the Church outside the spiritual watch-care of CAN.
CAN is the umbrella body for every Christian and Church in Nigeria. Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, does not turn back anyone that comes to Him and CAN also does not. The Ministry of the Church, according to Jesus Christ, is the Ministry of Reconciliation, which is centered on true love and forgiveness of those who repent.
The Bible states it clearly that “God demonstrates his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Roman’s 5:8,11). Having reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, God has committed to us the ministry of reconciling the world unto Himself and to one another. (2 Corinthians 5:19-21).
Since both Pastor Fatoyinbo and Mrs. Timi Dakolo are Christians, the leadership of CAN is already seeking ways to address the issues in order to heal every wound already inflicted on the parties concerned and the body of Christ in general.
It is our hope that steps which will exacerbate the current damages already done will be avoided.
As we seek the help of CAN Elders and the Holy Spirit in resolving the current problem, it is our prayer that both parties will sheath their swords and stop the media war in the interest of the Church and for the greater glory of God".
Thank You.
Signed
Joseph Bade Daramola, Esq.
Acting General Secretary, CAN
7th July, 2019.
