On Sunday, dozens of protesters stormed the Church of the Commonwealth of the Zion Assembly (COZA) in Maryland, Lagos.
The demonstrators in white t-shirts gathered at the famous Opic Plaza, carrying placards with different inscriptions.
They all called for COZA’s embattled ruler, Biodun Fatoyinbo, to be arrested and prosecuted.
Some of the inscriptions on the placards read, “No to rape”, “Biodun own up” and ”Biodun gbe body e.”
Mr Fatoyinbo, previously involved in sex scandals, was indicted on Friday with rape by Busola, wife of Timi Dakolo, a famous musician.
Armed soldiers guarded the huge isolated church compound when reporters tried to gain entry on Sunday.
The officers, who were watching the protesters from a distance, made sure they didn’t come near the entrance.
One of the protest conveners, Princess Olufemi-Kayode, said there have been numerous allegations of rape against Mr Fatoyinbo and the protest is an appeal to COZA to tackle the leadership.
She added that the pastor should face the disciplinary committee and step down.
She also disclosed that on Saturday night they (the demonstrators) got threatening calls. She said the calls were registered while Trucaller disclosed the callers ‘ identities.
Seun Olasebe, who said he was a former church member, said that it was no coincidence that the pastor had been charged with several accusations.
“He is a serial rapist, we cannot continue this way,” he said.
Community Women Initiative Funmi Ajayi said the protest was about rape and how it was orchestrated in the church.
“We have many testimonies against the church, we want to use him as a scapegoat, and we want our teenagers to speak up about how they have been molested by irresponsible men. Our slogan is: Touch not my body Rape is an offence.”
Meanwhile, despite the scandal that broke out on Friday, COZA members arrived in high numbers at their church on Sunday.
There was also a comparable protest at COZA headquarters in Abuja.
