RCCG Pastor Faces Rape, Oral Sex Allegation as Church Refuses Suspension

Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor, Tayo Sobowale

RCCG Pastor Faces Rape, Oral Sex Allegation as Church Refuses Suspension

OGBOMOSO, Nigeria – The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has broken its silence on the growing sexual misconduct scandal involving one of its youth pastors in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, but has so far declined to suspend him, confirming it is awaiting the outcome of an investigation by the school authority. The embattled pastor has now been publicly identified as Tayo Sobowale, who serves at the RCCG Strongtower parish, located near the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). The controversy erupted after a female LAUTECH student confronted him mid-service in a now-viral video, accusing him of attempted rape, sexual coercion, and demanding oral sex.

In the dramatic video, which has since racked up thousands of views across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, the young woman accused Pastor Sobowale of predatory behavior under the guise of pastoring. According to her narrative, the pastor allegedly asked her to buy him pounded yam and egusi soup, then invited her to his private residence – described as an “upper room” – to deliver the food. Once inside, she claimed he tried to pin her down and force himself on her. When she resisted by closing her legs, she alleged he demanded oral sex. She further claimed the pastor boasted that he had engaged in similar acts with other female members, including a “Sister Rachel,” adding that “most of the ladies are virgins.” In a stunning response captured on video, Pastor Sobowale took the microphone and said: “She has spoken right, and the story is sweet. Let me ask her…” – at which point the recording ended abruptly.

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The RCCG National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Oyegbola, confirmed to Sunday PUNCH that the church is fully aware of the allegations. However, he said the church is taking a measured approach. “I have been able to confirm that the church is aware of the allegations and is waiting for the outcome of the investigation of the school authority to know the next steps,” Oyegbola said. When pressed on whether Pastor Sobowale has been suspended pending investigation, Oyegbola declined to give a direct answer, stating only that “an allegation is being investigated.” That response has drawn criticism from some Christian circles and online commentators, who argue that RCCG should immediately step down any pastor facing credible sexual misconduct allegations.

Following the public confrontation, other female church members have reportedly come forward with similar stories. According to sources close to the church, the allegations include unwanted sexual advances, emotional coercion using pastoral authority, inappropriate touching, and exploitation of vulnerable female students. The RCCG Strongtower parish is located near LAUTECH, making it a popular church for university students seeking spiritual guidance. That proximity has raised concerns about a potential pattern of abuse targeting young female undergraduates.

Official reactions have begun to trickle in from various authorities. The LAUTECH spokesperson, Lekan Fadeyi, told the press, “I’m just hearing this for the first time; but let me find out if any such case has been reported to the school authorities.” Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, stated, “I am not aware of the incident. The state Criminal Investigation Department usually handles such cases.” In contrast, a top Christian leader, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, who is also the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Lagos State, called for a full, unbiased inquiry. “The allegations should be properly investigated and if established, whoever is found wanting should answer questions on what has really transpired. Whoever is involved should be penalised. There is no guessing about that,” he said. He also cautioned that while false allegations are possible, justice and fairness demand a thorough probe.