Saturday Sun reports that worshippers at the Ereko circuit, Diocese of Lagos, Methodist Church of Nigeria, are protesting against the reinstatement of one of their priests, Rev Abayomi Okesanya who was sent on suspension for alleged adultery.
According to the report, Rev. Okesanya’s wife, Yemisi, had accused him of impregnating another woman. Some members of the congregation, claimed that they were shocked by his sudden return even when he is living with another woman apart from his legally married wife. They however linked the problem to the couple’s childlessness.
A woman leader in the church said: “He has been married for years and unfortunately, no child came out of it. Unknown to his wife, Rev Okesanya, with the aid of his family, made another arrangement and kept a mistress aside who started breeding kids for him. When the wife finally realised what had happened, it caused much crisis at home and eventually her exit in 2008. This very man had two kids abroad before he got married. Assuming it was a child that is his problem, he already had two. You can imagine what ordinary members of the church who do not have kids will do if they find themselves in a child¬less situation. Most of us still believe in Methodist church, but if this is allowed to continue, they will lose so many members and I will be one of them.”
A priest in the church, Deacon Bode said: “I am not judging him but the Bible says we should re-pent from our wicked way and stay away from such act. There is no need to talk about investigation because the message is clear. He is living with an illegitimate wife who had given birth to four kids for him. Why should they allow him to mount the pulpit again? No one will talk about it if he was just a member of the church. I guess there are so many men into this these days but they do not ridicule the word of God by throwing it at the face of the church. What I fail to understand is why the presbyter could be shielding him.”
But in a reaction on phone, the newspaper said Rev. Okesanya simply described the issue as a rumour and switched off his phone without speaking further.
His estranged wife, refusing to share details of the crisis, said: “I am a Christian and I have decided to forgive him and move on with my life. The truth is that if I decide to take it personal and habour hate against him, I will also live a depressed life.”
The new prelate, Dr Samuel Emeka Kanu Uche, who spoke through the Secretary of Conference, Rt Rev Raphael Opoko, said that the church got complaints from members of the church and has ordered a thorough investigation.
His words: “Methodist church abhors, condemns and rejects any act of adultery or polygamy in the church. It is against our doctrines and we will not allow such to thrive in the church of God.
“The current leadership did not receive official complaint on this matter but because of the sensitivity of the matter, the church during its recent conference, raised the matter and ordered that there should be a thorough investigation. It is a sensitive case and the committee had been given till November to submit its report. If found to be true, Rev Okesanya will be made to face the disci¬plinary committee.
The church would not want any matter that will discourage its members from living a life worthy to make heaven.”
He said the embattled Okesanya was still allowed to preach in church, because there was no written re¬port from anywhere. It was just a rumour and verbal accusation by members of the church. Until the committee comes back with its report, Rev Okesanya remains ab¬solved of all allegations. Nobody has any right to suspend a priest based on a verbal allegation.”
Source: Saturday Sun
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