“This is an internal matter of the church, and I am not allowed by law to speak to the press about it,” said Bishop Adesina.
A homosexuality scandal has rocked the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, following the conclusion of investigations into sexual abuse allegations against a priest, Rev. Father Kenneth.
The case, which dragged for years, ended with the church ordering the priest to be formally warned to avoid scandals. Bishop Francis Adesina, in a letter dated July 30, 2025, confirmed that the decision was reached “in accordance with canon laws,” after conflicting verdicts of guilty and not guilty.
The ruling has sparked criticism and calls for stricter sanctions amid claims of cover-up and ongoing risk to minors. A whistleblower, identified as Bayo, alleged that no fewer than nine “brothers” were sexually abused by the priest, who he claimed introduced them to homosexuality. “This activity with Father Kenneth was repeated for several weeks and then into years,” Bayo told Saturday PUNCH.
Bayo further alleged that evidence he submitted was not forwarded to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome. Some priests have also criticised the outcome, saying the case showed “grave irregularities” and violated church law. Meanwhile, the diocese insists the matter was determined in line with Vatican directives.