Coza board member Pastor Obafemi Banigbe resigns over controversy surrounding the church

COMMONWEALTH Zion Assembly (Coza) board member Pastor Obafemi Banigbe has resigned in response to the growing controversy surrounding the church's founder Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo who is accused of rape.

Last month, Busola Dakolo, the wife of popular musician Timi Dakolo accused Pastor Fatoyinbo if raping her years ago in Ilorin. Since then, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has launched an investigation into the matter and Pastor Fatoyinbo has resigned from official church duties while the police investigate the allegations.

Since the story broke, another lady has come forward to accuse the flashy clergyman of sexual molestation when she made a usual call to his house to discuss activities relating to the church. She said that during the visit, at some point while she was seated on the couch, Pastor Fatoyinbo, whom she had always seen as a role model, joined her on the sofa and started to touch her inappropriately.

With all this controversy surrounding the church, Pastor Obafemi Banigbe has decided to resign, saying he was no longer interested in being a member of the Coza board of trustees. He has handed his resignation letter dated July 19 to Pastor Fatoyinbo and the board of trustees.

Mr Banigbe wrote: “I hereby render my resignation as a registered member of the board of trustees for Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (Coza) with immediate effect and for personal reasons. I have not been able to function as a board member, including participating in any decision making or governance meetings focused on matters patterning to the wellbeing of the church.”

Meanwhile, the Dakolos who alleged threat to their lives have vowed to see the fight for justice till the end. Already the Nigeria Police Force have invited Mr Dakolo for questioning over a case bordering on criminal conspiracy and falsehood.