RCCG Youth Pastor Accused of Rape, Sexual Assault by Multiple Female Members in Viral Ogbomoso Church Drama

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A youth pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has come under intense public scrutiny following allegations of rape, sexual assault, and misconduct made by several female church members during a dramatic confrontation in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

The pastor, identified as Tayo Sobowale, serves at the RCCG Watchtower parish located near Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), an area known for its large student population.

The controversy erupted during a church service when a woman identified as Tobi publicly confronted the pastor, accusing him of attempted rape and sexual coercion. Videos of the confrontation have since gone viral across social media platforms, generating widespread outrage and heated public debate.

According to Tobi, she joined the church seeking spiritual fellowship and was actively involved in the welfare department. She alleged that Pastor Sobowale invited her to his residence under the pretext of collecting food she had prepared for him. Once there, she claimed he attempted to force himself on her despite repeated refusals.

She further alleged that when penetration failed, the pastor demanded oral sex and later boasted about having similar encounters with other female members of the congregation, including young virgins.

Tobi claimed she initially attempted to resolve the matter privately through internal church channels but decided to go public after receiving no satisfactory response.

Following the confrontation, several other women reportedly came forward with similar allegations involving unwanted advances, coercion, and abuse of pastoral authority. Unverified reports circulating online claim the number of accusers may be as high as 18, although this has not been independently confirmed.

Pastor Sobowale has denied allegations of rape and sexual assault. However, reports indicate he acknowledged at least one sexual encounter with an accuser, insisting it was consensual — a claim strongly disputed by the women involved.

Screenshots of alleged private conversations circulating online reportedly show the pastor offering vague apologies while rejecting accusations of non-consensual conduct.

The RCCG Watchtower parish, situated near Daniella Hostel in the Under G area of Ogbomoso, primarily serves students and young worshippers, a factor that has intensified conversations around vulnerability, power imbalance, and accountability in religious spaces.

The incident has sparked massive reactions online, with many Nigerians demanding an independent investigation by both church authorities and law enforcement agencies. Social media users have also called for stronger safeguarding measures within religious organizations to protect female members from exploitation and abuse.

As of May 6, 2026, the national leadership of the RCCG has not released any official statement regarding the allegations. There are also no confirmed reports of arrests or formal police charges connected to the matter.

The case comes amid renewed scrutiny of sexual misconduct allegations involving religious leaders in Nigeria, including a separate 2024 controversy involving another RCCG pastor accused of inappropriate conduct.

The allegations against Pastor Sobowale remain unproven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent legal authority.