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It’s Time COZA Pastor, Biodun Answers These Questions – Church Member J.Omojuwa - Religion - Nairaland

Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Religion / It’s Time COZA Pastor, Biodun Answers These Questions – Church Member J.Omojuwa (1042 Views)

COZA Pastor Biodun Gets Luxurious Porsche, Unveils It To Church Members (Photos) / Pastor Biodun/Coza Replies Ese Walter's Sex Scandal Accusation / Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo Of COZA In Sex Scandal (2) (3) (4)

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It’s Time COZA Pastor, Biodun Answers These Questions – Church Member J.Omojuwa by Nobody: 12:59am On Sep 18, 2013
Another COZA church member, Japheth Omojuwa has written yet another robust letter to the Abuja based pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo asking him vital questions that he needs to answer urgently over his love affair with his female church members, especially Ese Walters. The note appears to be very long, but have patience and read on:

“Now read my lips, I know there are people here that are not part of our church, read my lips, we are going to speak but we are consulting to come out with a robust reply.”

“When we asked God, God said be quiet.” Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo in his non robust reply to the Ese Walter accusations on Sunday 25th August 2013.
One shouldn’t need a robust reply to say “I didn’t do it!” but I digress. The Miss Ese Walter – Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo affair has since come and for many, who’d rather the truth be buried, should be gone by now. Unfortunately, this will not go yet. The reason is simple; pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo just has to speak up. This was my initial take on the issue and you may need to read it to understand where this writer is coming from. If you haven’t read that, you’d not understand my mind with respect to how, no matter what we think or assume, we should never judge until all sides are heard. I now know more than I did from that last time and all sides have had at least 3 weeks to be heard.
Before I continue, let me address the men worshippers who go to church on Sundays and during the week sincerely believing they are worshipping God but in reality are bowing to the carnal desires of fellow men. My last year in Nigeria saw me spend more time in Abuja than any other Nigerian city. Anytime I found myself in Abuja, I’d always attend the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) or on select occasions The Everlasting Arms Parish (TEAP) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
My Lagos church has no branch. COZA was convenient for me for many reasons but the most appealing part was the fact that it was a church I could go without being treated specially. Yes, a few people would know and notice me but I’d largely be just another member of the congregation and my life needed just that. I was not just attending COZA though; I truly liked the church. I was committed to the church financially.
I may be did not give as much as many people but I at least gave enough to receive a gracious call from Pastor Fatoyinbo himself. I am yet to give anyone – including my mother – as much of my resources as I have given to COZA. More often than not my donations were in hard currency. Given a chance, I’d do this again. Giving is my culture anyway.
This point needs to be made because some hypocrites will come up here to pretend they love the church more than people they’d consider evil like myself because one has chosen to ask questions. I don’t know how else to prove one’s love for where one’s heart is without spending one’s money on same. I gave not because I was moved by words but because I was impressed by the church’s dedication to excellence. Hate him or love him, pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo was a man driven by excellence.
I was impressed because after each journey away from Nigeria, I’d visit COZA to see the aesthetics have been improved upon markedly. I was just impressed and I was even more impressed because being a man driven by excellence myself, it was great to see it in display in a Nigerian organization. That mattered to me because Nigerian positive outliers gain my attention for obvious reasons – excellence remains a scarce commodity in here.
I saw pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo for the first time in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, I think in 2007 when he came to preach at The Father’s House where I worshipped at the time. His depth impressed me. Again, hate him or love him, he knew his word. He knew (knows) the bible and he had – of course still has – the God given ability to not just preach the word but to teach it and impact people. His strongest attribute for me though would be his vocals. I don’t think there is a better singer than the man in COZA!
I have made all the above points because some would come here, not to read this or in search for the truth, but to defend their illusion and the lie they want protected in their hearts. I have said the above to let you know if you love the man, I love him too and if you love the church I do too. Unfortunately, I love the truth more and that was the reason I opened myself up to hearing the experiences of the many people who reached me after this article.
I exchanged emails with Ese Walter – she had reached out to me to encourage me during my Arik matter but I didn’t know that until after I sent an email to her to say to be strong – I was speaking from my understanding of what being in the media storm is. I received a call from an Abuja based counselor and had exchanges with people who had worshipped at pastor Fatoyinbo’s church in Ilorin. I did not reach out to any of these people myself; they sought me out themselves.
Loyalty is a necessity in every relationship. There must be a purpose and truth behind it. Should one remain loyal when one discovers that, that loyalty was pledged on the wrong premise? Every loyalty has a foundation and once that foundation is destroyed, loyalty must find a new shelter.
The Nigerian society is what it is because we do not care about the truth as a people, we only care about our interests. People think they care about the truth when the truth does not affect them, as soon as the table turns; their only care is about the protection of their own kind of truth or their own interest. It is the reason the same people say to you one day, “I love the way you write and focus on issues and the fact that you are unbiased” and the next time they go “what’s your interest in this? What is the point? I used to be your fan but not anymore!” I am so used to this yo-yoing from readers I never care about fans, friends or foes, I just care to put the word out based on what I think is right only being at peace with my conscience and my God. I don’t care to be loved or hated. I think I can do without caring for people whose feelings change at the direction of whether the matter affects them directly rather than whether the matter deserves one’s sincerity. This will open me to abuse but who cares about people whose lives and souls are subjected to what fellow men feel rather than what God cares about?
We may not be acutely aware of this as Nigerian Christians but while a man of God is truly a man of God, he becomes just another man when it comes to his own failings and addictions. A man of God who is addicted to drugs for instance is not addicted to drugs as a man of God, he is addicted to drugs as a man. The same thing goes for sex, stealing, adultery and all the other vices listed by the bible and our understanding of morality. When a man of God who is not married to you touches your breast, he touches it as a real man not as a real man of God. The hardness that comes with it is of his own blood, no matter what you want to assume.
Of course men of God have a special kind of grace, a certain level of Grace, but that grace has its purposive boundaries. You can have grace to pull 100,000 people into a stadium as a preacher but that grace may not be available to you if, say you invited people a year after to come hear you declare yourself to run for a public office. Every form of Grace has a purpose and a place for it. Will Pastor E.A. Adeboye gather as much people in Redeem Camp if the event was his declaration to run for a political office? I have gone at length to make this point about grace because as Christians in Nigeria, some of us have become passionate church going zombies! My words sound harsh but think mot juste – it is what it is. As long as pastor says it, it is right.
As long as pastor does it, it is right. So then, pastor is always right. Our thin line between pastor and God, which was supposed to be a clearly marked reality, has since become eroded. Pastors have indeed become our gods! We literally worship them now. My last service at COZA on the 25th of August showed this a lot. It was the loudest I had heard the church and trust me, COZA on a regular day is loud. On this day, I sat there in church and asked myself sincere questions;
Why is this church overly loud today, is it because of God or because of man? The extraordinary praise and worship session – which I really danced to because of my weakness for praises – and the loud cheers and applauses had a note to them that never used to be there. This was no longer about God, it had become about “our pastor.” I ordinarily would not tweet during a church service but I did on this day because I was so sure in my mind I was no longer in church. I realized I was in a theatre.
Everything was a show and it was at best a world-class show. It was no longer about God, it was about “our church, our pastor” and you are sure to see that put up here in the comments. Why have we suddenly assumed and believed that defending our pastors mean defending God? Who told us that when our pastors fall God will fall? Are we mad or are we just spiritually insane? Our Christianity is no longer about God, it has since become about pastors and our church’s brand. We are more obsessed with what people perceive of our church’s reality than what God cares about. Even the most seemingly independent minded among us lose their ability to rationalize anything as long as it is about defending these pastors and their increasingly way ward ways. In our usual way, we misinterpret the bible for our end, saying for instance “touch not my anointed and do my prophet no harm.” I leave you with thisWhat does it really mean when it says not to touch the anointed? article.
This is our way of putting pastors above board, beyond questions and their actions protected inside our common ignorance of God’s word. People continue to perish for lack of knowledge. And you better not think this is a Pentecostal thing, it is as ubiquitous as you’d find religions. There is a fake version of anything that is original. If your religion has no fake version of its good leaders, your religion itself is fake!
There are of course true men of God and real churches dedicated not just to getting men and women focused on God and the things of God, but contributing extensively to the development of men, women and families including underprivileged in the society. The existence of a fake thing is proof there is an original. I work with some men of God fully committed to this and the works of the likes of Daystar and the Elevation Church in Lagos inspired this piece on what the church can do about poverty in Nigeria . I think pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo is a real man of God but he is a real man too; much more real a man than a god at least. And when these realities come clashing, we must not treat these separate phenomena as one. You can tear yourself to pieces over these questions as one of these folks with suspended minds, but he really needs to answer them or just let silence do the talking.
These are questions for the real man in pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo to answer:
Did he do what Ese Walter accused him of doing? When she came back to Nigeria and asked that he needed to step away from the pulpit, did he meet up with her, even tried to kiss her again and later called her to say he forgot something in her car after he left? Did the thing he forgot turn out to be N500,000 cash! Was this part of his personal earnings in church or was it part of the church’s income? Did they meet at another hotel – not in England – where he tried to pay for his own accommodation and had his cash refused because the hotel wouldn’t take cash so Ese had to pay with her card? Does he use an aphrodisiac perfume? Is that for the fun of it or for some kind of fun? Did he insist Ese Walter stay back in London after she came back to Nigeria defying his earlier demand? Ese Walter might have held back many details in her blog because no one gets to write it all on matters like that, but will the real man please stand up and say something? Oh, and our ultra-super-religious-and-spiritual-we-are-all-clean society has crucified Ese Walter, making sure others like her never dare come out to cast other pastors again. And trust me, there are other named ones. You see, we think we are a free people but we are not.
Re: It’s Time COZA Pastor, Biodun Answers These Questions – Church Member J.Omojuwa by Nobody: 1:00am On Sep 18, 2013

The person whose body is shackled is freer than the person whose mind is. We have been manipulated to assume certain things. It is so bad it has become so tough to confront falsehood in our society. In contrast, it has become the norm to confront those who dare ask questions around such. We remember the Bible verses that justify our ways as though even the devil doesn’t quote the Bible for his own end. Here is one thing you should take home; “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD” (Proverbs 17:15).
The sheer number of women who cannot speak up on their experiences like these shows how much the society condemns the brave and gives the halo of holiness to their mental oppressors. This is not limited to pastors, leaders of other religions are very much involved in immoralities with wives and daughters of trusted members but this is a mirror for my home. I ignored my Muslim followers who insisted I speak about their own leaders for obvious reasons. This remains Nigeria. I know they will have fearless people who will show them their mirror too. Some even already started with tweets on those yesterday.
One thing appeared constant in all the other alleged affairs; the pastor always used disparaging words for his wife, telling the other women his wife is “pretty on the outside, empty upstairs,” a theme that appeared in all the stories. This set me off over and again, hearing it from people who even as I write have never met themselves. Did the real man in pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo tell these women his wife is too fat and tried for years to lose weight but just couldn’t; and to think that the woman in question is not fat. There is more on this but better to reserve some questions. Is it true the wife is aware of the pastor’s issues to the point she makes sure to regularly keep tabs on him with phone calls? Is it true some of the pastors are well aware of this? Are they party to it like some of the women in this loop suggest?
What about these other stories?
One of the women – who admitted she was seeking counseling not because she felt abused by the pastor but because she felt used and dumped, because the pastor had abandoned her – had much to say. She said that it started when she went for counseling with pastor Fatoyinbo. That, they exchanged numbers and they started calling each other at odd hours. It went from phone intimacy to the bedroom.
There is no need to give the graphic details of the wildness she said transpired. The second story as relayed by the Abuja counselor was exactly like the first, from marital counseling to wild sex. This second person is actually married, and remains married. One of the ladies admitted she was so addicted to him she threw all caution to the wind.
The money according to them was another attraction they’d not deny. They didn’t say they were abused, they said they felt used and dumped. She said the pastor has a huge appetite for sex but gets bored easily and this explains his constant change of girls.
Hard to believe, but these stories from Ilorin make the hardness go a bit softer. Had an Ilorin student, who lived off campus, who was at the time his member, ever drive out pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo out of her room? Did he ask her to sit on his laps? Did he try to touch her breasts? Did he try harder until she threatened to shout?
Would the pastor remember if I added he used to visit the family, that they used to push his car at the time? Did any pastor at the time reprimand pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo after the lady in question had reported him? Does he still remember the words that man of God told him? Did the lady continue to come to church after the incident? She left the church eventually when she couldn’t stand seeing the pastor preach. People know about this, families know about this. These are open secrets.
What about this other girl pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo allegedly dated in Ilorin? She admitted they had a steady relationship, and that he would tell her how his wife was not homely, how his wife couldn’t cook. Pastor Biodun, according to her would tell her how he felt very homely and welcomed around her, how she was just like a mother. She admitted she dated the pastor for a very long time and even got pregnant and aborted for the man of God. People say there can be no smoke without fire but I don’t even agree with that because I know at least one gas that produces smoke without fire. Unfortunately, this is beyond the smoke of a gas, this is a thick, fat, carbon soaked smoke with burning flames that can only be associated with fire! Like Moses’ burning bush, something is wrong somewhere and silence will not help on this one.
Silence can be beautiful, silence can be ugly, silence can be so subtle no ones hears it and silence can be so loud it screams “guilty!” I defended pastor Fatoyinbo’s rights to be heard and I still do but I cannot defend his long silence. This silence is so loud it is too distracting. This silence is too robust to be ignored. Anyone who says it is better for the pastor to remain silent at this time is not only a hypocrite but also a church zombie. This is not me being abusive, this is me saying it as it is. Just look out for the meaning of the word.
When God created things, he said it was good, after God created man He said it was very good. God did not do all that so that we’d suspend our ability to think when it comes to matters of our pastors or anyone for that matter. Even God called out to Adam after he committed the first sin. God did not convict him, he gave him a chance to defend himself and Adam did present his case.
You see, after all said and done, we all like Adam, we fall short. King David fell short and prophet Nathan told him to his face. We all know what he did and the price he paid for that but we all know that several millennia after, King David remains an iconic figure in Israel. Israel’s flag and major national symbols bear his insignia to this day! King David said “hata al-Yahweh” (Hebrew for “I have sinned against God”) and his admission of his own human failings is the reason we can all read Psalm 51 today and raise our heads knowing God is able and willing to forgive us. God of course did forgive David but he never let go of the consequence of that sin. His life was spared – against the Law of Moses, which at the time meant David himself should have died – but he lost the child born by Bathsheba. Of course we never read of David committing that sort of sin again because the chastisements of God helped clean him like David himself wrote in Psalm 51.
Talking about Joseph; is this what the pastor says Joseph did not defend himself for? Would Joseph have defended himself if he was offered the chance and he lived in the society as a free man and not the slave he was? How did Moses write the account of what happened inside a room between Joseph and Potiphar’s wife if Joseph never made a point to defend himself at one time or the other? Would Joseph have kept quiet if he had a congregation to account to? How come a young lady in Abuja who had been in the COZA Ilorin choir knew Joseph was going to form part of the message on Sunday the 25th of August even before the pastor came on the pulpit?
Had this happened in Ilorin and pastor Fatoyinbo had to offer the same “the people who lived in Joseph’s time did not know he did not do what he was accused of, we are the ones that know” excuse? Should we forget these questions and wait for those who will be on earth in 5000 years time to know all these were supernatural co-incidental lies or would it be better for pastor Fatoyinbo to accept he is a real man of God yes but he is indeed a real man with flesh, with the ability to indeed fail?
Can pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo do what David did and admit his wrong to his congregation and let those who will stay, stay and those who will leave, leave? Is it better for the church members to know exactly what they are getting or should they all just continue to live a lie or in-between a lie and confusion? Sir, can we even just let go of the robust response and just say “I never did what Ese Walter accused me of,” because you were true to your conscience enough on Sunday the 25th of August not to deny it happened.
I remembered clearly no words were said to that effect. If indeed it did not happen, can we get an “I did not do it” short, simple and direct response before this robust reply is ready for our consumption? How can all sides be heard if one side decides silence should do the talking?
At least no one can say I wrote this because of the new COZA land or building project because I worked for the money I contributed to it. And I hope to visit when this project is completed. But our Christianity needs to rise above this carnality and obsession with buildings and what toilets and church seats should look like.
These are all cool and I’d always be likely to worship in a church that pays attention to all these but at the end of the day, this is not what Christianity is about. Our faith is about Christ and we were called Christians at Antioch for the first time not because of how beautiful our churches looked or how well our pastors/apostles spoke, it was because of our Christ-like attitude. Is this what the Nigerian church is about today or should we forget this question was ever asked?
Are we still worshipping The Way, The Truth and The Life or have we redefined God? We need to ask these questions and more about our Christianity. Let us even for a while forget what others think or say about us, who really are we? Now let the abuses rain on me. I need to shower myself. May the peace of the Lord be upon His church!

2 Likes

Re: It’s Time COZA Pastor, Biodun Answers These Questions – Church Member J.Omojuwa by papagiddy(m): 10:28am On Sep 18, 2013
i beg give the pastor time! dont rush him! ahh??
Re: It’s Time COZA Pastor, Biodun Answers These Questions – Church Member J.Omojuwa by gazilion: 10:50am On Sep 18, 2013
Biblically speaking, In Matthew 5:37 Jesus said to his disciples, ”All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” It would have been good if Pastor B admitted or denied instead of allowing his church members gossip and wonder of the truthfulness or otherwise of this issue.

Legally, it is within his prerogative to either say something or say nothing. He owes no one any explanation unless he's arraigned in a law court.

Finally, everyone is responsible for his/her own salvation. Both the deceived and the deceivers are inexcusable before the judgement throne of God if they miss heaven. Therefore, to the COZA members and family, work out your own salvation and be careful to whom you trust the issues of your eternal soul!

1 Like

Re: It’s Time COZA Pastor, Biodun Answers These Questions – Church Member J.Omojuwa by DrummaBoy(m): 1:29pm On Sep 18, 2013
Coza, seem to me, no longer a noun, but a verb - COZA is a "doing" word!

Article, well written.
Re: It’s Time COZA Pastor, Biodun Answers These Questions – Church Member J.Omojuwa by PastorOluT(m): 1:55pm On Sep 18, 2013
Love the way he came out with the article, seriously it is not just about pastor Biodun but our attitudes to church and our men of God. They are men of God truly but also men in the flesh, subject to mistakes and accountable to men and God!
God bless u
Re: It’s Time COZA Pastor, Biodun Answers These Questions – Church Member J.Omojuwa by PastorOluT(m): 2:29pm On Sep 18, 2013
Love the way he came out with the article, seriously it is not just about pastor Biodun but our attitudes to church and our men of God. They are men of God truly but also men in the flesh, subject to mistakes and accountable to men and God!
God bless u
Re: It’s Time COZA Pastor, Biodun Answers These Questions – Church Member J.Omojuwa by pahsolow: 3:00pm On Sep 18, 2013
MY VERDICT
(Ese Walter vs. Pst. Biodun@COZA)
I have actually taken time to go through all the different stories and views about the Ese Walter vs. Pst. Biodun (@COZA) case and I only but wonder what we seem to have gotten ourselves. Let me be clear about this, I have not written this piece as a show of solidarity to any of the warring parties if indeed there are any. I would also say that for every thing, word or/and allegation that has been made vivid all this while is just a clear sign of rapt misunderstanding and a show of lack of total understanding. That's what I think...
Now, let's do a little mind reading. For those on the Ese Walter camp, Pst. Biodun is just as guilty as the word goes and should just be declared a convict of the highest order. And for all faithful COZA(ITES), Ese Walter is 'evil' and will surely not escape judgement. Good? bad? Maybe, but it's sure to get better or worse. How? You might want to ask...
I have never met with, interacted with or even seen Pst. Biodun or Ese Walter in all my life though I hope to one day meet with the former and that would definitely be because I want to know him as a person and learn from a man of excellence. I have obviously been to his church on several occasions but that has unfortunately always been in his absence. And despite his absence, I had always practically experienced the presence of God and had a feel of what divine excellence is. I have never stopped to wonder what it would be like when I attend a service in the church with him in attendance. This goes to show what I have always believed in...."the church is more than just a person, the founder inclusive". I have also heard of many wonderful things about Pst. Biodun from colleagues and even family members and I just had to conclude like I do for every publicly talked about and widely celebrated personality, that he is someone I should indeed meet. And despite all of what is going on, that desire to meet with him has not waned or increased a bit, it's just the same.
Like everyone else, I don't know what transpired between Pst. Biodun and Ese Walter and I don't think I would want to know because am not sure of what to hear or believe. But one thing I know is this: the truth will always prevail. That's the most dependable witness to every issue after our conscience.
I have never failed to look at every man of God with two set of eyes and that has made me see every man of God whether real or fake in two forms; as an anointed person and as a mere man. The former being his/her ability to command God's presence, power, grace and the ability to live a life devoid of sin (absolutely rare). The latter being his/her nature as a mortal that is often characterized by the weakness of the flesh and their ability to make mistakes as all humans. This perspective has made me better relate with them, understand them, and pray for them the more. You might want to try that too...
Almost everyone would be wondering why Pst. Biodun is yet to make a public statement in regards to the very disturbing allegations on himself and the church but I think I know why he's yet to (and may not) deny or own up to the crime labeled on/against him. The reason being that a reply (positive or negative) from him would only succeed in 'raising more dust' on the issue and would eventually degenerate into a word vs. word battle. Simply put, a reply from Pst. Biodun or COZA would certainly produce more comments from Ese or the Nigerian press and a reply from him to their questions/comments would necessitate more questions/comments and on and on it would go. If that is what it is, then I personally share the same argument because I know what such media distractions can cause to the tasking work of the ministry. Moreover, the devil would only enjoy such a scenario that is sure not to bring any good.
However, I would still have loved to ask Pst. Biodun some questions such as:
1. Did you do any of what you are being accused of?
2. If yes, what steps have you taken to rectify it with God?
3. If no, what have you done to rectify the issue?
The above questions are not intended to make him answer to anyone but to himself.
Also, as a word of advice to Pst. Biodun, I would say these:
1. You are like a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden. Every action of yours counts and would certainly impact on people one way or the other.
2. As much as you can, always be a positive role model considering your status and calling (1 Thess. 5:22).
3. Always consider the aftermath of any of your actions. This will certainly guide you to always be a light.
4. You always have God to clear any storm, this one inclusive (1 Thess. 5:24).
5. The church is marching forward and the gates of hell can never prevail against it. As much as you can, always put the church first and even in the midst of all these happenings, do your very best to keep the church intact and going.
I read a report online on 15/09/2013 that Pst. Biodun and COZA are detailing a reply. Please make it honest, comprehensive and timely.
Enough said about Pst. Biodun. Now to the amiable Ese Walter...
Like I said earlier on, I have never met with, interacted with or ever seen Ese Walter. However, I admire her strength, courage and sheer determination to air the truth no matter whose ox is gored. This been that she was tired of suffering in silence and having to bear the seeming brunt of an act between two people. Clearly understood. I also admire her because of her knowledge of the bible which informed her choice of words in her revelations and especially as evident in her last article in which she tried to put an end to the whole issue.
When I first read her blog on the issue, I was shocked considering the person being accused and was ready to spit fire and brimstone on her head but on a second thought I had to calm own and relive her experience as though it was my sister who was involved. Assuming she is honest, I indeed felt her pain and the burden of having had to carry it for such a long time especially when I considered the possibility of it being true, even as I know that no one was devoid of or incapable of an error.
Let me say this, a similar issue like this involving any other person would certainly have been treated lightly but since it involves a revered man of God, it has become a big issue and a juicy one. And for such, I have always recommended caution given its edgy nature. I have a strong passion for justice and as such I sincerely frown at any form of abuse whether intentional or in a "use and dump" way like Ese did say. In all sincerity, I feel her pain and would require that she gets her full dose of justice.
However, just like I have always said and would always say, there are better ways to resolve an issue than make it worse especially when such an issue is sensitive enough to mar a lot of other related things.
Firstly, this issue was never meant to be public considering what has now become of it. Gone are the good days when one would readily say that a problem shared is half solved. Today, a problem shared becomes a trending topic on every social format and platform. It's on this premise that I feel the issue shouldn't have gone public in the first place but should have been handled in other better ways.
Secondly, I feel Ese should have thought about the impact her revelation (whether true or false) would have on the church. No one person is bigger than the church. Pst. Biodun is just a caretaker of COZA. God owns every church. Any harm to the church is to God because heaven and earth will pass away (men, women and pastors inclusive), but the word of God which is the live wire of the church will always abound. If she had thought this carefully, maybe no one would have heard of it and God who is neither asleep nor blind to all our activities will certainly give her respite and avenge her case (if she's honest). Well, I think she has since realized this judging from her atoning statements to the 'church' in her last blog article.
Thirdly, even as it is, the deed has been done (the issue of whether or not he did the act, the accusation), what remains is for a solution so as to forestall any future occurrence. If that is the case even as it were, this issue should be handled by christian authorities who would better provide a solution to it than have the issue left in the hands of the media, press or every tom, dick and harry, including even the most morally depraved persons. You know what will be of such a situation. Divergent and sometimes unrealistic views that would end up not solving the issue but would rather aggravate it and give it untold dimensions. She did mention in her last blog article on this issue that she has a documented evidence which she has given to a respected man of God. That's good but would it not rather have been best if you had initially done that before going public? It reminds me of the popular saying "medicine after death". No sarcasm intended.
Even the bible recommends that all things be done decently and in order.
I would also have loved to ask Ese Walter some questions such as:
1. Are you sure of your allegations?
2. Are you aware of the consequences if your allegations are false?
3. Do you know the full impact of your revelations on yourself, Pst. Biodun, COZA, and the entire christendom?
4. If yes (2), how have you handled it or intend to handle all of it in all sincerity and fear of God?
5. If no to (1), how do you intend to rectify it?
The above questions are not intended to make her answer to anyone but to herself.
Also, as a word of advice to Ese Walter, I would say these:
1. God is bigger than everything or issue and can very well handle anything. Don't make Him your last resort but your very first. In this case, if your allegations are true, seek God on the matter and let him heal your wounds and help you move on.
2. There are better ways to handle sensitive issues even as recommended by the bible. "...take it to the ELDERS of the church". You remember?
3. Even when all your efforts to reach with certain persons in the church to unburden yourself seemed not to yield results, I think you could still have patiently prayed about it or leave it in the hands of God. He alone can handle it and give you the desired peace of mind because what you have now is hardly peace, not with the media distractions and the verbal uproar everywhere.
4. You don't owe any one apology but to God and the church if your allegations are true. However, you owe your conscience' COZA and Pst. Biodun all the apologies you can if your allegations are false.
5. In your personal stead, seek ways to douse all the tension caused by your revelation and like you did say, avoid any statement or actions that will aggravate rather than calm the issue, with or without any response form Pst. Biodun or COZA.
And to the Nigerian people, let's learn to celebrate good news than bad news. Let every issue serve as a medium to make good and better the society than to be a yardstick for condemnation. No one is perfect, even YOU! A part of Ese would frown at the way Nigerians have handled the issue. That is certainly not fair on her because rather than help her with it, it would create more unrest and pressure on her. Come to think of it, where on earth is that popular legal dictum which says "everyone is perceived innocent until proven guilty"? Or is it because it's a pastor who is involved? Well, (if the allegations are true) at least he's a pastor (a fallible man) and not God (the infallible One).
God will help us all as we daily seek to live our lives in reverence to God and in all good faith and conscience. I pray that this issue will end up creating in us all the desire to live better lives and to always know that God is still God. And don't forget, JESUS is coming soon. Repent if you are yet to. GOD bless all of us.
I'm done! I know so many may want to nail me for all or some of what I have said but please do not, for our sake. It's a personal and reasonable view.
I rest my case!

Solomon C. Chinedu
(realdirect.info@gmail.com, pizinspic@yahoo.com)
Re: It’s Time COZA Pastor, Biodun Answers These Questions – Church Member J.Omojuwa by Candour(m): 8:23pm On Sep 18, 2013
......But our Christianity needs to rise above this carnality and obsession with buildings and what toilets and church seats should look like.
These are all cool and I’d always be likely to worship in a church that pays attention to all these but at the end of the day, this is not what Christianity is about. Our faith is about Christ and we were called Christians at Antioch for the first time not because of how beautiful our churches looked or how well our pastors/apostles spoke, it was because of our Christ-like attitude. Is this what the Nigerian church is about today or should we forget this question was ever asked?

An excellently written article. Wish all of us can take time to ruminate on the quote above. Maybe it will start help start our journey back to the foot of the cross.

God bless
Re: It’s Time COZA Pastor, Biodun Answers These Questions – Church Member J.Omojuwa by Joagbaje(m): 8:35pm On Sep 18, 2013
Many times a pastor himself is victim in the hands of some of these people
Re: It’s Time COZA Pastor, Biodun Answers These Questions – Church Member J.Omojuwa by Candour(m): 8:47pm On Sep 18, 2013
Joagbaje:
Many times a pastor himself is victim in the hands of some of these people

Late Boma Erekosima, a pigin english newscaster at Radio Rivers in the Eighties and Nineties used to render this proverb 'If dog bite you once, the dog dey craze, but if e bite you a second time, brother na you dey mad o'

Joagbaje, you theory would have been ok if It's just one or two persons. The article talked about a series of affairs with a penchant for cover-up.......hmmm my bro, i say mba nu to your post. Even if dem dey follow the man from village, na only him dey abuja? haba.

If he's a victim, wisdom would have made him limit his dealings with the opposite sex particularly whenever his wife is not around him. Flee all appearances of evil Peter the apostle warned. Did they omit that part from his bible?
Re: It’s Time COZA Pastor, Biodun Answers These Questions – Church Member J.Omojuwa by 4C2215131: 8:50pm On Sep 18, 2013
[quote author=belabela][/quote]

Given the depth of the 'research' that went the writing of this article,the answer to the puzzle seems a to be a foregone conclusion.

Next case please!
Re: It’s Time COZA Pastor, Biodun Answers These Questions – Church Member J.Omojuwa by 4C2215131: 9:12pm On Sep 18, 2013
pahsolow: MY VERDICT
(Ese Walter vs. Pst. Biodun@COZA)
I have actually taken time to go through all the different stories and views about the Ese Walter vs. Pst. Biodun (@COZA) case and I only but wonder what we seem to have gotten ourselves. Let me be clear about this, I have not written this piece as a show of solidarity to any of the warring parties if indeed there are any. I would also say that for every thing, word or/and allegation that has been made vivid all this while is just a clear sign of rapt misunderstanding and a show of lack of total understanding. That's what I think...
Now, let's do a little mind reading. For those on the Ese Walter camp, Pst. Biodun is just as guilty as the word goes and should just be declared a convict of the highest order. And for all faithful COZA(ITES), Ese Walter is 'evil' and will surely not escape judgement. Good? bad? Maybe, but it's sure to get better or worse. How? You might want to ask...
I have never met with, interacted with or even seen Pst. Biodun or Ese Walter in all my life though I hope to one day meet with the former and that would definitely be because I want to know him as a person and learn from a man of excellence. I have obviously been to his church on several occasions but that has unfortunately always been in his absence. And despite his absence, I had always practically experienced the presence of God and had a feel of what divine excellence is. I have never stopped to wonder what it would be like when I attend a service in the church with him in attendance. This goes to show what I have always believed in...."the church is more than just a person, the founder inclusive". I have also heard of many wonderful things about Pst. Biodun from colleagues and even family members and I just had to conclude like I do for every publicly talked about and widely celebrated personality, that he is someone I should indeed meet. And despite all of what is going on, that desire to meet with him has not waned or increased a bit, it's just the same.
Like everyone else, I don't know what transpired between Pst. Biodun and Ese Walter and I don't think I would want to know because am not sure of what to hear or believe. But one thing I know is this: the truth will always prevail. That's the most dependable witness to every issue after our conscience.
I have never failed to look at every man of God with two set of eyes and that has made me see every man of God whether real or fake in two forms; as an anointed person and as a mere man. The former being his/her ability to command God's presence, power, grace and the ability to live a life devoid of sin (absolutely rare). The latter being his/her nature as a mortal that is often characterized by the weakness of the flesh and their ability to make mistakes as all humans. This perspective has made me better relate with them, understand them, and pray for them the more. You might want to try that too...
Almost everyone would be wondering why Pst. Biodun is yet to make a public statement in regards to the very disturbing allegations on himself and the church but I think I know why he's yet to (and may not) deny or own up to the crime labeled on/against him. The reason being that a reply (positive or negative) from him would only succeed in 'raising more dust' on the issue and would eventually degenerate into a word vs. word battle. Simply put, a reply from Pst. Biodun or COZA would certainly produce more comments from Ese or the Nigerian press and a reply from him to their questions/comments would necessitate more questions/comments and on and on it would go. If that is what it is, then I personally share the same argument because I know what such media distractions can cause to the tasking work of the ministry. Moreover, the devil would only enjoy such a scenario that is sure not to bring any good.
However, I would still have loved to ask Pst. Biodun some questions such as:
1. Did you do any of what you are being accused of?
2. If yes, what steps have you taken to rectify it with God?
3. If no, what have you done to rectify the issue?
The above questions are not intended to make him answer to anyone but to himself.
Also, as a word of advice to Pst. Biodun, I would say these:
1. You are like a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden. Every action of yours counts and would certainly impact on people one way or the other.
2. As much as you can, always be a positive role model considering your status and calling (1 Thess. 5:22).
3. Always consider the aftermath of any of your actions. This will certainly guide you to always be a light.
4. You always have God to clear any storm, this one inclusive (1 Thess. 5:24).
5. The church is marching forward and the gates of hell can never prevail against it. As much as you can, always put the church first and even in the midst of all these happenings, do your very best to keep the church intact and going.
I read a report online on 15/09/2013 that Pst. Biodun and COZA are detailing a reply. Please make it honest, comprehensive and timely.
Enough said about Pst. Biodun. Now to the amiable Ese Walter...
Like I said earlier on, I have never met with, interacted with or ever seen Ese Walter. However, I admire her strength, courage and sheer determination to air the truth no matter whose ox is gored. This been that she was tired of suffering in silence and having to bear the seeming brunt of an act between two people. Clearly understood. I also admire her because of her knowledge of the bible which informed her choice of words in her revelations and especially as evident in her last article in which she tried to put an end to the whole issue.
When I first read her blog on the issue, I was shocked considering the person being accused and was ready to spit fire and brimstone on her head but on a second thought I had to calm own and relive her experience as though it was my sister who was involved. Assuming she is honest, I indeed felt her pain and the burden of having had to carry it for such a long time especially when I considered the possibility of it being true, even as I know that no one was devoid of or incapable of an error.
Let me say this, a similar issue like this involving any other person would certainly have been treated lightly but since it involves a revered man of God, it has become a big issue and a juicy one. And for such, I have always recommended caution given its edgy nature. I have a strong passion for justice and as such I sincerely frown at any form of abuse whether intentional or in a "use and dump" way like Ese did say. In all sincerity, I feel her pain and would require that she gets her full dose of justice.
However, just like I have always said and would always say, there are better ways to resolve an issue than make it worse especially when such an issue is sensitive enough to mar a lot of other related things.
Firstly, this issue was never meant to be public considering what has now become of it. Gone are the good days when one would readily say that a problem shared is half solved. Today, a problem shared becomes a trending topic on every social format and platform. It's on this premise that I feel the issue shouldn't have gone public in the first place but should have been handled in other better ways.
Secondly, I feel Ese should have thought about the impact her revelation (whether true or false) would have on the church. No one person is bigger than the church. Pst. Biodun is just a caretaker of COZA. God owns every church. Any harm to the church is to God because heaven and earth will pass away (men, women and pastors inclusive), but the word of God which is the live wire of the church will always abound. If she had thought this carefully, maybe no one would have heard of it and God who is neither asleep nor blind to all our activities will certainly give her respite and avenge her case (if she's honest). Well, I think she has since realized this judging from her atoning statements to the 'church' in her last blog article.
Thirdly, even as it is, the deed has been done (the issue of whether or not he did the act, the accusation), what remains is for a solution so as to forestall any future occurrence. If that is the case even as it were, this issue should be handled by christian authorities who would better provide a solution to it than have the issue left in the hands of the media, press or every tom, dick and harry, including even the most morally depraved persons. You know what will be of such a situation. Divergent and sometimes unrealistic views that would end up not solving the issue but would rather aggravate it and give it untold dimensions. She did mention in her last blog article on this issue that she has a documented evidence which she has given to a respected man of God. That's good but would it not rather have been best if you had initially done that before going public? It reminds me of the popular saying "medicine after death". No sarcasm intended.
Even the bible recommends that all things be done decently and in order.
I would also have loved to ask Ese Walter some questions such as:
1. Are you sure of your allegations?
2. Are you aware of the consequences if your allegations are false?
3. Do you know the full impact of your revelations on yourself, Pst. Biodun, COZA, and the entire christendom?
4. If yes (2), how have you handled it or intend to handle all of it in all sincerity and fear of God?
5. If no to (1), how do you intend to rectify it?
The above questions are not intended to make her answer to anyone but to herself.
Also, as a word of advice to Ese Walter, I would say these:
1. God is bigger than everything or issue and can very well handle anything. Don't make Him your last resort but your very first. In this case, if your allegations are true, seek God on the matter and let him heal your wounds and help you move on.
2. There are better ways to handle sensitive issues even as recommended by the bible. "...take it to the ELDERS of the church". You remember?
3. Even when all your efforts to reach with certain persons in the church to unburden yourself seemed not to yield results, I think you could still have patiently prayed about it or leave it in the hands of God. He alone can handle it and give you the desired peace of mind because what you have now is hardly peace, not with the media distractions and the verbal uproar everywhere.
4. You don't owe any one apology but to God and the church if your allegations are true. However, you owe your conscience' COZA and Pst. Biodun all the apologies you can if your allegations are false.
5. In your personal stead, seek ways to douse all the tension caused by your revelation and like you did say, avoid any statement or actions that will aggravate rather than calm the issue, with or without any response form Pst. Biodun or COZA.
And to the Nigerian people, let's learn to celebrate good news than bad news. Let every issue serve as a medium to make good and better the society than to be a yardstick for condemnation. No one is perfect, even YOU! A part of Ese would frown at the way Nigerians have handled the issue. That is certainly not fair on her because rather than help her with it, it would create more unrest and pressure on her. Come to think of it, where on earth is that popular legal dictum which says "everyone is perceived innocent until proven guilty"? Or is it because it's a pastor who is involved? Well, (if the allegations are true) at least he's a pastor (a fallible man) and not God (the infallible One).
God will help us all as we daily seek to live our lives in reverence to God and in all good faith and conscience. I pray that this issue will end up creating in us all the desire to live better lives and to always know that God is still God. And don't forget, JESUS is coming soon. Repent if you are yet to. GOD bless all of us.
I'm done! I know so many may want to nail me for all or some of what I have said but please do not, for our sake. It's a personal and reasonable view.
I rest my case!

Solomon C. Chinedu
(realdirect.info@gmail.com, pizinspic@yahoo.com)

I do not agree with your view point. In fact this is the reason Nigeria is what it is today-a corrupt entity just cause every body 'swallows' all the ills of the society,'prays' about it and put it in the hands of God. I commend the girl for taking a bold step.

Accountability is what we need in this country,please stop spiritualising everything away. So she should have prayed about it ? Do you know how many ladies have kept quiet and are still praying about it while the rot goes on?

Frankly I'm disappointed with the latter part of your rejoinder,so disappointed. The pastor is flesh and blood,if guilty he should apologize. He won't be the first man of God that errs be it financially or sexually (two biggest banes of men of God) remember Jimmy Swaggart,Jim Baker to mention a few. These men repented and publicly too (Jim Barker even wrote a book: I Was Wrong) and I believe are living victorious christian lives. Seems the pastor has a passion for female flesh, that seems to be his cross and he should lay it at the alter instead of playing all these religio-childish games.

Don't bother quoting the 'touch not my anointed' diatribe in response to my rejoinder,it's a verse often quoted out of context without proper biblical exegesis and hermeneutic principles. Let the man do the honourable thing.
Re: It’s Time COZA Pastor, Biodun Answers These Questions – Church Member J.Omojuwa by 4C2215131: 9:15pm On Sep 18, 2013
Joagbaje:
Many times a pastor himself is victim in the hands of some of these people

You know better than your retort.I'll leave it at that.

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