Churches reject Omotoso’s Buffalo City crusade plans

Religious and traditional leaders in Buffalo City Metro municipality have rejected Nigerian televangelist, Tim Omotoso, who is planning a crusade in the city following his acquittal in a trial.

Omotoso booked the Orient Theatre in East London to conduct his seven-day crusade from last Sunday, but the municipality cancelled the booking of the hall due to apparent pressure from the local religious community.

Lawyers demand explanation

This prompted Omotoso’s lawyers to write to mayor Princess Faku to demand an explanation for the cancellation, which they said constituted a breach of contract.

The lawyers said this was an infringement on his freedom of speech and stated Omotoso was acquitted of all the charges. Having avoided jail, Omotoso is back behind the pulpit to preach the gospel.

The Durban-based senior pastor of Jesus Dominion International has returned to reopen his church. He plans to visit East London, where his loyalists were said to be waiting for his arrival to begin the crusade.

Omotoso acquitted

He was arrested by the Hawks in 2017 along with two other fellow accused and charged with rape, sexual assault and human trafficking.

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But Omotoso and his two co-accused were acquitted of all the charges on 2 April by the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha.

The court found that the prosecuting team failed to present a solid case beyond a reasonable doubt. The National Prosecuting Authority was criticised for the poor handling of the case.

The trial had been embroiled in controversy, particularly after a key witness was gunned down during the trial. The woman was shot day at close range in what some linked to the evidence she gave in court, but no arrest has yet been made.

Trauma concerns

Religious leaders in the city invited Omotoso to a meeting to discuss the crusade and voice their concerns about it.

The church leaders said they were aware of legal matters surrounding Omotoso’s case and what they called his “technical acquittal”, current investigations into his acquittal, possible reinstatement of the charges against him and his co-accused, and the pastor’s likely deportation to Nigeria.

“We are concerned about the trauma and hurt caused to over 60 young adults who were allegedly abused, sexually assaulted, and humiliated. Their need for support and counselling is a priority,” the church leaders said.

Omotoso could not be reached for comment.

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