Apostle Sam Adegoke of Elijah Generation Church, Akure, Ondo State, has stepped back from public ministry after admitting to sexual relationships with women before his recent marriage — a disclosure that has thrown his fiery sermons against fornication and lust into sharp relief.
For years, Adegoke was known for passionately preaching against sexual immorality, repeatedly warning his congregation about the spiritual consequences of fornication and lust.
But behind the pulpit, according to allegations made by several women and his own subsequent admission, the preacher was himself involved in sexual relationships before he married.
The stark contradiction has triggered an uproar among members and followers, with questions being raised about the credibility of a minister who publicly condemned the very conduct he has now acknowledged engaging in.
The controversy erupted after women who claimed to have had relationships with the cleric took their allegations to social media, accusing him of sexual misconduct, manipulation and abuse of his position as a spiritual leader.
The women alleged that Adegoke had sexual relationships with female church members between 2019 and 2026, including shortly before his wedding.
They also claimed that some members had previously left the church over his alleged conduct, while others remained after believing he had genuinely repented.
Adegoke has admitted to having sexual relationships with women before his marriage and apologised to those involved, his wife, family, church members and others who trusted him.
Rather than deny the central allegation, the cleric said he deeply regretted his actions and had taken responsibility for them.
He has consequently stepped back from public ministry to reflect, seek counsel and make amends.
The development has particularly drawn attention because of the sharp contrast between his private conduct and the message he repeatedly delivered from the pulpit.
A preacher who built part of his public ministry around warnings against fornication and lust is now confronting allegations and an admission that place those very teachings under intense scrutiny.
Adegoke said he was committed to repentance, accountability and a change in conduct, stressing that his withdrawal from public ministry was intended to give him time to reflect on his actions and their consequences.
