We must have all read Ese Walter's story by now(Read here if you haven't),this is a very interesting article and I don't pass judgments but I must say i agree with most parts of it..Read and decide if you do too.
Below as written by Segun Adekoye
When we talk about issues regarding religion we have to be careful, because it is one of the things that fragments our beliefs, our thoughts and our world at large. Much has been destroyed in this world on the basis of religion. Atheism is a form of religion, as is Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism and a horde of thousands of not-so-widely-known doctrines worldwide.
You would have read Ese Walter’s open confession on her affair with the senior pastor of COZA, Biodun Fatoyinbo. The matter has been thrown back and forth. Rev. Biodun Fatoyinbo has been flogged severely by comments from people who are thoroughly pissed at him. Ese Walter on the other hands has been reprimanded, comforted and even advised to go for ‘psychoanalysis’ as a particular commenter put it. I didn’t intend to talk about this issue, but I have a thing or two to say on the matter.
1. ‘Men of God’ are still men:
However disappointing this may sound, it is sadly true. Being called a pastor does not take the chromosomes in your DNA and mutate you into an angel. A pastor is a title that can be likened to other political titles like Prime Minister, President and Governor. It is an office that you occupy based on your qualifications be it spiritual, academic, political or moral merits. That a ‘man of God’ is alleged to have been involved in a scathing scandal like this does not make him a “fake man of God’. While the Judas was widely known to have betrayed Jesus, his role or deed did not erase his popular office as being one of Jesus 12 disciples. You can’t mention the 12 disciples without mentioning Judas. This did not warrant him ever being called a ‘fake’ disciple. Any acclaimed clergyman can become the subject of a scandal. These people were not born with wings. Discipline is what drives their office and the decisions to be set apart towards the service of God and humanity.
2. ‘Men of God’ have encouraged people:
I have witnessed the lives of a lot of people change positively because they have had contact with a ‘man of God’. Drug addicts have become better people. Poor, homeless and destitute people have been helped. Young children have had their education sponsored by these men of God. The ‘unbridled and carefree tendencies’ of humanity have been somewhat checked by majority of these people. Open allegations like this destroy other people’s beliefs and faith.
3. Ese Walter was not the abused:
This is what I believe. How can you call one week of non-stop sex, abuse. Abuse is the improper usage or treatment of an entity, often to unfairly or improperly gain benefit. How can she call it abuse when she willingly consented? I am astound by how this confession has become a thing of sympathy. She must have enjoyed whatever she had and wanted more, so she kept going back. Consensual sex is enjoyable.
4. He who is without sin should cast the first stone:
The reason why this is generating so much ire is because he is called a senior pastor of a church. I am forced to wonder if Ese would have made a case on this, if he wasn’t a pastor. If he wasn’t just another rich, married man. I am forced to think about how much she holds marital values and if she had never dated a married man except the pastor. If you’ve never committed fornication before, If you’ve never committed adultery before, if you’ve never cheated on your partner or wife before, cast the first stone.
5. Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo abused his office:
If the allegations are true, then one can say that the ‘man of God’ abused his office, the oath he took and the mantle placed on his hand. He can be said to have used the power of the position for the wrong motives. This has a ripple effect on all other people who occupy the same positions all over the world.
6. There is more than meets the eye:
Hey but you only heard a side of the story and you’re quick to judge. Listen to the other side of coin. Are there things Ese isn’t saying? Are there other things that transpired between them that have not been stated in her epistle? This is only how far you can know.
7. This is not a legal matter:
This is not a legal issue at all, except was on the grounds of rape. The only person that is expected to make a legal action is his wife, and that would be a case of filing for divorce on grounds of mutual infidelity. Ese enjoyed it thoroughly and regretted her actions
8. Religious leaders are the victims:
These are tough times for religious leaders all over the world. They have to watch their speech and thoughts all over the world. If you are a religious leader and you oppose same-sex marriage in America, you are seen as a demented opinionist who needs primary schooling on what human rights are. If you are seen wearing a turban on your head, you are closely watched because you are believed to have affiliations with terrorists all over the world. If you own a large church, you are believed to be deceiving people and using their hard-earned more to ‘live large’. The world believes that religious leaders should take the blow and remain silent even if they are innocent.
8. Go and sin no more:
The deed is done. Ese has regretted her actions. The ‘man of God’ involved is getting all the chastisement of his life. Names have been called. It’s time to move on. It’s not time to form a movement. It’s time to move forward for all ministries involved. Ese should move on with her life. The accused should look for ways to amend the damage and move his ministry forward. He will lose members but some will remain with him.
9. Let the institution be:
That the leader of COZA has faltered does not make the church an unholy place to worship. We must filter the institutions from the servants in the institutions and let them resolve their conflict as mature people. That a country has leaders who mismanage its funds does not make the all the citizens of the country corrupt. The international society and media do not understand this fact as well.
10. Wisdom is profitable to direct:
Just in case there’s another Ese Walter out there who is having an affair with a married man or another ‘man of God’, rather than destroying more than you can create, find ways of resolving the issues or have the courage to move on. What becomes of the Monica Lewinsky’s who try to battle the Clinton’s – nothing. The world moves on. You might be a Dominique Strauss-Kahn for a moment but your shame gets erased someday and tables turn. Whistle-blowing is awesome but you should always do it with wisdom. Wisdom is profitable to direct. Don’t be another Edward Snowden.
Cheers!
Too Long!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Too long!
DeleteThe first 2 commenters are the reason this country is still backwards.You cant read but if its porn story or Gossip about sex, you will read it.Dumb cows
DeleteIf you want to hide anything from a black man or black woman put it in a book. You think the guy that made the blackberry or ipad or toyota had ur thinking. Sad. My perish from lack of knowledge.( Hosea 4:6. ) Ignorance is the trouble with the black race/nigeria. No shortcut to success. Knowledge is power.
DeleteMr anonymous
Thats my M.
DeleteMr anonymous
My people perish from lack of knowledge ( Hosea 4:6 )
DeleteMr anonymous
M. For the first time we are actually agreeing. U deserve a new weave on and slippers.
DeleteMr anonymous
Yoruba pastors,there stock in trade.
ReplyDeleteSharrap fool.The best pastors in Africa are Yoruba's.Pastor Adeboye, Pastor Kumuyi and more
DeleteDon't mind the dunce!
Deleterightfully said... another monica lewinsky? in this case she blew the trumpet.. monica did not, she was caught...but the truth is that after a while in a country like this..u would be forgotten so soon.
ReplyDeletelife goes on
www.flavour360.blogspot.com
After all is said and done, Ese would lose.Her reputation is stained.She confessed to God so why the need to come and confess online? Unless she was hurt so bad that she wanted to destroy the man.What hurts a woman so bad? Heartbreak. He dumped her or she found out he had several others.
ReplyDeleteShe has disgraced herself because the man will still be a pstor, his church will still boom,he will still date other girls if what she said is true.
Segun Adekoye go fuck urself in the pit of hell. If u do not understand what the pastorial ministry is then shut ur filthy mouth. I hate this rubbish that this issue is turning into and its making me enraged. How can u justify sin with ur careful selection of words 2 make a long sermon? First and foremost the so called pastor involved in this controversy has the effrontery 2 stand on his church altar 2 preach without even addressing the matter at hand. What is so big abt saying yes i did it or no i didn't? If u are not guilty of a crime do u need any parliarmentary meeting 2 say that? And another thing don't open that filthy mouth of urs 2 describe DNA bullshit cos the God we claim 2 serve created us all and he is the master of DNA and all the genetic and phenotypical make up of us men that he created, and he also said in his word that he has given us grace 2 overcome sin not grace 2 justify sin. Being a man of God comes with the responsibilty 2 not 2 fall into temptations cos temptations will always abound and even more when u proclaim the gospel. Jesus fasted 4 forty days and forty nights in order 2 resist satan's temptation during his ministry on earth. So why can't our so called Christ like church leaders emulate him? If sleeping with one woman is a sin he could not avoid do u call the 2nd one a mistake? So pls people should stop this stupid justification of things that are physically appaling. There's always room 4 forgiveness in God's vineyard but pretence and lies are not the solution. Whoever is guilty btw Ese and her Pastor should go apologise 2 God and 2 the general populace that they have wronged.
ReplyDeletePlease leave the poor man. He said his mind. On my own opinion the both of them are wrong. His a pastor but his still man dearie.in as much as we all will try to avoid sin, sometimes we could fall into it, that is exactly why we are men not God. Even st paul tell you in the bible that sometimes he finds himself doing what he doesn't want to do. It only takes the grace of God to avoid falling into temptation. And when we find we have fallen , we hurriedly come out of it. Please this pastor is just as guilty as everyone of us that fornicate with our boyfriend's', gossip, steal, lie. Let him be he has had enough of the public humiliation. All you can do is to pray for them. Its even possible he has confessed his sin to God and he has been forgiven, but as men we hold it to mind forever.please stop!that he made a mistake doesn't mean his not a real man of God. PS am a catholic and av neva attended COZA.
DeleteSo if he really committed the sin is he hurriedly coming out of it by not addressing it? Is that not the same thing the Ese girl said that he did not address the issue properly but rather said he will teach her a level of grace that she does not understand? Am not saying he should stop being who he is bcos he sinned but if he did he should leave up to it by confessing since the issue is already out, ask God 4 forgiveness, ensure it does not happen again and move on not try 2 sweep the issue under the carpet.
Delete"I will teach you a level of grace that you dont understand" See yans! See toasting! See lyrics! This pastor sabi chat up babe wella!! The man get sugar mouth. How the babe no go fall.
DeleteMr anonymous
@Anonymous 14:55, u be mumu. The gal didn't seduce him, he travelled all d way from Nigeria to London to go tempt person, abeg reason b4 u talk, he is a man of God not a man of man. Abeg try shut up.
DeleteWhich 1 is tempt? She decided to fall if not this wudnt be a case
DeleteI concur with M.E. It is quite sad that alot of us are very ignorant of the word of God. While I agree with the imperfection of man I believe the presence of the Holy Spirit guards against sin. If he was filled with the Holy Spirit there is no way he would have committed Adultery. This guy chased this chic to the UK? Please lets all ask for the Holy Spirit guidance.
DeleteCan we close this never ending story? He took advantage of her cause he saw a weakness/willingness in her. She herself, gave into his charm. This happens everyday in nigeria. Nuttin new abeg. Powerful men and beautiful young women. Sex for favours. Sex for cash. Its not the first nor will it be the last sex scandal in our society. Powerful men will always lust after young beautiful women. Young beautiful women, will always be attracted, to powerful rich men. All because of money, fame and power. It doesnt wont matter to them if he is a pastor, if he is married or if he is the babe's father mate. These babes will fuck whoever. Thats just the way things are in our society. I for one, have lost someone, i loved and was mad about, to these powerful older men. So i have no mercy for what she is going through. She made her bed, now ese walter, you must lie on your vomit soaked bed. Serves u right!!
ReplyDeleteMr anonymous
Ese is just a stupid girl with no regards for the anointed. God will not allow her go unpunished for this scandal
ReplyDeleteIt is you God will punish.Which anointed?Sex and adultery anointed abi Faggot
DeleteEse was sleeping with another woman's husband and enjoyed it while it lasted, only for her to come out now and is seeking for who to deceive-..............
DeleteFoolish COZA bastard, may God punish u and ur generation for this rubbish talk.
DeleteWhy are people not talking about the man who was sleeping with anther woman when he is a married man. I do not think her point was to blackmail anyone or cause any trouble
Deleteshe was speaking her pace, she admitted her fault, which is what the pastor should do too..or atleast give an explanation
Rubbish writeup.Trash the stupid pastor is to blame for taking advantage of her.Period
ReplyDeleteIt went on for days and she enjoyed it while it lasted..............
ReplyDeleteMumu... Reason b4 u talk. Bastard
DeleteEse is a bicth and a prostitute .Emeh do you want to kill us with this story or she is one of your ashawo friends
ReplyDeletewell written@M.E
ReplyDeleteLet the lady be advised well.let the man of God seek for counsel from matured pastors.when God unleashes his anger he distributes it accordingly,unless proper repentance is shown.men should fear covenant!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with u @M.E. As for Segun Adekoye, one question for u, when the sheep go astray, who is to be blamed? The sheep or the shepherd? I hate it when people try to justify sin. The word of God has been so twisted by most of these modern day pastors (for their own benefit) that they have gravely confused the flock. U spoke abt grace! Did God say he'll teach u a level of grace that will enable u disrespect Him and make a mockery of his teachings? Ese sinned and she came clean. She came clean not b'cos she wanted to put the pastor to shame but b'cos she wanted similar atrocities to be put to an end. God is indeed a merciful God if not He'll be striking down any man that stands on his altar as hypocrites. If u do wrong, admit it and move on and not come to church telling ur already misled congregation how u want to keep quiet for the time being and come out later with a reply to all the accusations. In the end all men and woman sin and come short of God's glory. It is those that have the courage to admit their sin that I have a respect for. And then if u are given an office of power and responsibilty etc, it is ur duty to uphold that office and not make a mockery of it. And pls, I follow Jesus and not Judas. If christianity was based on the lifestytle and choices of Judas, won't we be all doomed. Look to God and the Light and stop making excuses for ur shortcomings. Each and every one of us have been given a consience. If a man of God can't use his, what then can be said of his flock?
ReplyDeleteThank u for ur comment. The bible says not everyone that saith unto me lord,lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, many will say in that day we prophesied,cast out demons and did many wonderful works in thy name..then Jesus will say to them depart from me ye workers of iniquity! Even David felt remorse and repented from his sins.
DeleteAnon 16:43 am glad u understand my point of view.
DeleteAnon 16:43 am glad u understand my point of view.
DeleteAnon 16:43 am glad u understand my point of view.
DeleteAnon 16:43 am glad u understand my point of view.
DeleteAnon 16:43 am glad u understand my point of view.
DeleteAnon 16:43 am glad u understand my point of view.
DeleteBut we are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires.Then our evil desires conceive and give birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my dear friends! (James 1:14-16).
ReplyDeleteEvil and unecessarily strong desire for what does not belong to you or what is not appropriate for you at the time is initially natural to all men. It is called Lust and it lurks within the heart.
When the glories of this world were bandied before Christ and other similar temptations by the devil in Luke 4, he did not give in because he did not lust after these things. He did not lust after the good or easy life or even the popularity of the people thats why he overcame so much that He could even submit Himself to death as it was The Fathers will. This is The Christ that defines christianity and we all are called to follow.
The question I have to ask is, are our pastors like this? You be the judge.
I feel sadly though that in Christianity in this country, we do not empasize the Christ as our example and the cross and death as the means to becoming like him. I suspect that we do not really want to be like Him or perhaps we dont know we should.
When the means of dealing with lusts in the hearts of men (the clergy and laity alike) is curiously deleted and largely absent; When all the talk we have is how to get power and prosperity (often without purity) or worse still, empty tradition irrelevant both to this time and eternity this is what results.
Lust at work in the pastor motivating him to 'watch' over tithes and offerings and especially over 'the pretty sheep' and lust in the pretty sheep to be 'wanted' by someone she admires so much. The flaming match of lusts.
My deep concern about this story is the glaring lack of emphasis on purity of heart and Christlikeness deep within. It is actually a global problem that produces these sorts of scandals.
I am sure Christ died for so much more than having persistently defeated individuals who have not been saved from their sins and lusts. My question is...what then where they saved from? Perhaps from not going to church. What a salvation!
In Summary, there is too much of this present world in our hearts and Minds in Nigerian Christianity thats why the nation stinks despite its churches.
ReplyDeleteWhen a person sets his pursuit on the earth, he looses heaven.
When a person sets his pursuit on heaven, He gains heaven and earth is given to Him in addition. (CS Lewis)
For ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Mr. Pastor abused his office and power to seduce Ese. I am of the opinion that he should make haste to discuss and clear this issue for the sake of the body of Christ which he claims to represent in his pastoral capacity.
ReplyDeleteEse unfortunately can not play victim here. She kept going back for a week and her choice of words in her long confession did not depict someone who had any remorse for her actions. A wise man once said, fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.
It is my opinion that this has gone on long enough. Both should make their peace with God and plead for his mercy for the untold damage that they have caused to the body of Christ.
Salvation is personal. Judgement on the last day is personal. It is not in the position of any man to judge neither do we need any man to confess his sin to us. Let us all sit back, analyse our life and standing with God. Let us all run this race, individually, not looking @ any man, any pastor, any ese walter or anything, to receive the ultimate prize. Peace!
ReplyDeleteThe bible says woe unto a man that leads his people astray..the pastor has a big responsibility to the church and his members that's why they are called sherpards
ReplyDeleteok im just gonna cut to the chase, this girl Ese Walter is not dumb, if her allegations are true as she claims, she would have at least recorded their conversation or tape record how he manipulates her sexually. well, in my opinion, i strongly feel she only came out to blab because she no longer has the pastors attention. while she had it she couldnt record for proof because she was enjoying it. lets not stress our heads, this bitch has no proof, shes just a bitter rag.
ReplyDeleteok im just gonna cut to the chase, this girl Ese Walter is not dumb, if her allegations are true as she claims, she would have at least recorded their conversation or tape record how he manipulates her sexually. well, in my opinion, i strongly feel she only came out to blab because she no longer has the pastors attention. while she had it she couldnt record for proof because she was enjoying it. lets not stress our heads, this bitch has no proof, shes just a bitter rag.
ReplyDelete