The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ijebu Ode South Chapter, has denied allegations of kidnapping and rape against one of its members, Prophet Dr. Samuel Erinle Ajindejesu of Ori Oke Papa Oko Tutu, To Kun Fun Anu, an Inter-denominational Church in Awokoya, Ijebu Ode.

This was made known by the Ijebu Ode South CAN Chairman, Bishop-elect Dr. Wasiu Olalekan Oluwatosin, during a press conference held at the CAN Secretariat in Ijebu Ode.

Recall that Prophet Dr. Samuel Erinle Ajindejesu had been accused of raping a church member, Tolani, and kidnapping a journalist, Tosin Osibanjo, of TMC News Online.

During the press conference, Dr. Wasiu Olalekan Oluwatosin clarified that the allegations of rape were unfounded. He stated that the matter had been investigated by the police, who found no evidence of rape. Instead, the situation was deemed to be a personal disagreement between two individuals in a relationship.

 "I can authoritatively say that Pastor Erinle was in a relationship with Tolani," Dr. Wasiu said.

Dr. Wasiu further explained how he became involved in the situation. After seeing the rape allegations posted on a WhatsApp platform, I contacted Tosin Osibanjo, the TMC News publisher who had shared the story. I told him "You don't disgrace a man of God on a platform; rather, you report it to CAN, where such issues can be handled.

But let me use this opportunity to  commend the Area Commander of the Ijebu Ode Division for his efforts in facilitating an amicable resolution." He said

According to Dr. Wasiu, after the incident was reported, he initiated an investigation, reaching out to the accused prophet, Dr Erinle,  Tosin Osibanjo, and the family of Tolani. "We called on the family—Tolani and her mother—to mediate in the matter," Dr Wasiu said.

However, during the process, Tosin Osibanjo continued to post scandalous messages on social media, which complicated the situation.

He went on to explain that the accusations against Prophet Erinle were that he had impregnated Tolani and that the family was demanding financial support. While Prophet Erinle had been meeting his responsibilities, including providing a furnished apartment for Tolani and supporting her financially, the family claimed it was insufficient.

Dr. Wasiu also revealed that during negotiations to resolve the issue, Tosin Osibanjo demanded a sum of 5 million naira from Prophet Erinle to be given to Tolani family while 2 million naira to be paid to himself. "I was furious when I heard this adding that we are here to resolve the issue, not to discuss money." Dr Wasiu said.

He also revealed that Osibanjo had accused him of being a "fake pastor," which led Dr. Wasiu to file a formal complaint with the police. While some later apologized on Osibanjo's behalf.

Dr. Wasiu made it clear that CAN, Ijebu Ode South Chapter, would not tolerate wrongdoing. 

"We will not allow any pastor to tarnish the image of God or engage in fraudulent activities," he emphasized.

Also at the press conference, Prophet Dr. Samuel Erinle Ajindejesu categorically denied the rape and kidnapping allegations. 

"It is not true that I raped Tolani or performed abortions on her," he said. 

He explained that he and Tolani had been in a relationship since 2020 and that the pregnancy and birth of their child were both legitimate. 

"I was shocked when I first heard these scandalous allegations. Someone sent me the story claiming that I had raped Tolani and aborted seven pregnancies, and then another story that I had kidnapped Tosin Osibanjo." 

Prophet Erinle explained that after being invited to the Igbegba Police Station, he was detained for three days. He was later transferred to the Eleweran Police Station in Abeokuta, where the police investigation cleared him of any involvement in the kidnapping.

 "The police found no evidence against me and released me," he said.

Others present at the Press Conference include, Pastor E.A Olalekan Adenuga (CPFN/PFN BLOC), Revd. Dr S.O Esanju ( OAIC BLOC) and Mr Okunowo Anthony ( CSN BLOC)