The COZA Saga: Church Loses Large Number Of Members | Church Divided [Photos]

Smite the shepherd and the sheep will flee". This biblical injunction vividly captures the ongoing scenario at the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, COZA.

The name COZA became a 'street anthem' a few months back following a shocking confession by one Ese Walter, an ex-member of the church of her week-long sexual escapade with the senior pastor of the church, Abiodun Fatoyinbo.

However, since then, the pastor has neither come out to refute nor accept the allegation, but claimed that he was still waiting for God's order.

While many still doubt the authenticity of the allegations, some light-hearted members of COZA are gradually leaving the church. Dailypost learnt this during a recent visit to the Lagos branch of the church, situated in Maryland, Ikeja.

Findings reveal that many aggrieved members and deacons have left the church since the authority of the church decided to sweep the matter under the carpet.

When our correspondent inquired from a member why the church looked so empty on a Sunday, he was told the population of the church was reducing drastically on weekly bases.

"I think this started not quiet long. Last week was even the worst; you could see empty seats everywhere," the fair complexioned female member said.

Asked if the man of God had come out to deny or admit the allegation, the member said they've warned them never to talk about it anywhere, until he (Pastor Abiodun) hears from God.

"I think this is one of the reasons many members are leaving. The church authority had warned us never to talk about the issue until the man of God speaks, and I think many are beginning to find it hard to believe."

His members had since called on the pastor to come clean on the adultery allegations, but he prefers to remain silent until God says otherwise.

Sources revealed that the church stands divided because of the incident. While many insisted that the pastor should speak out, others are of the opinion that since God asked him to keep quiet, he should wait until he says otherwise.

A member was quoted as saying, "God can't ask you to keep quiet in this matter because his name is at stake too. The church of God is being accused here and the same God is telling him to keep quiet? That is immaterial, I can't accept that."

Findings further revealed that the preacher is currently working behind the scene to 'bury' the allegation.

The preacher has vowed to put an end to the ugly development that has soiled his hard-earned name and reputation.

We were also told that the man of God is making effort to reach out to the media to clear the mess and get the whole issue out of the public domain.

It was gathered that members of the church are also calling on Pastor Biodun to tender unreserved apology if he actually committed the sin or come out boldly to clear the air, rather than 'waiting for God to tell him when to speak'.

DAILY POST