Following his suspension, the Bishop will not partake in any church activity for a year.
The Diocesan Bishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) of Ekiti West, Rufus Adepoju, has been suspended for alleged involvement in sexual misconduct.
Mr Adepoju, according to a letter dated December 11, 2020 seen by PREMIUM TIMES, was said to have been caught with the wife of a priest under his employment and care.
The suspension letter was signed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev Henry Ndukuba.
The Bishop also reportedly admitted wrongdoing.
“Advent greetings in the precious name of our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ,” the letter said. “We write with a deep sense of concern and pain to suspend you from office as the Diocesan Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ekiti West.
“This is sequel to your conduct giving just cause for scandal and abhorrent sexual behaviour with the wife of a priest under your employment and care. These facts were admitted by you in a meeting in our office held on Thursday December 10, 2020.”
Following his suspension, the Bishop would not partake in any church activity for a year, the letter said.
“By this suspension, you are not to partake in any activity of the Diocese as the Diocesan Bishop for a period of one (1) year effective from the date of this letter. Please report and handover to your Archbishop and for further spiritual guidance.”
“It is our prayer that you will use the period to seek the face of God as we join in upholding you in prayers. The supervision of the Diocese of Ekiti is hereby devolved upon us the Primate of All Nigeria. The LORD be with you.”
Credit: Premium Times
Paschal Ogbuagu Arinze
December 16, 2020 at 9:40 pmThis is a disciplinary action born of love in language only but strict and severe in actions. The Bishop may be demoted after his period of suspension expires. It does happen repeatedly these days. Sometime ago in the last year at Mgbakwu , the archdeacon went to the wife of a priest in his employment after he had sent the priest on an errand, he went to the priests wife and had sexual intercourse with her in their bedroom.
Prof George Iloegbulam Ndukwe
December 17, 2020 at 9:08 amIt is very unfortunate. A lot of water is constantly passing under the bridge. Many jumped up the ladder of becoming bishops by connection but from the first principles they were not called of God to be shepherds of the flock. Again some have left the first estate of services to God and forced to be in the memberships of prevalent secret societies all in the name of becoming very popular. All these challenges are ravaging both the congregation and the priests. Nevertheless, the church must be careful and watchful because God has given us the spirit of discernment. We should be proud enough to always correct in love so that the devil must be put to shame always. We are encouraged to be our brothers’ keepers, the priests inclusive. May God help us out IJN.