Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Apostle Sam Adegoke of Elijah Generation Church in Akure, Ondo State, has stepped back from public ministry after publicly apologising over sexual relationships he had before his marriage.
Adegoke, who recently got married, disclosed the decision in a statement released on Monday, October 5, 2026, saying he had spent several weeks away from public ministry and social media reflecting on his past, seeking counsel and confronting his actions.
The cleric acknowledged that he had been involved in sexual relationships with women before his marriage, describing his conduct as wrong and inconsistent with the standards he was expected to uphold as a Christian minister.
He said the fact that the relationships occurred before his marriage was not an excuse for his actions and stated that he was taking responsibility for the consequences.
According to him, the period away from public ministry was intended to allow him to reflect, seek appropriate counsel and begin making amends where necessary.
Adegoke apologised to the women involved, acknowledging that his actions may have caused hurt or disappointment. He also extended his apology to his wife, family, church members, colleagues and others who had placed their trust in him as a spiritual leader.
The pastor said he had been seeking God and receiving both pastoral and professional counselling as he examined his conduct and considered the steps required to address the situation.
He further said he would continue to submit himself to appropriate spiritual, pastoral and professional accountability throughout the process.
Adegoke emphasised that he was not asking for his conduct to be excused, but for the opportunity to confront it honestly and make amends where appropriate.
He also appealed to members of the public to pray for him, particularly for the humility and courage to face his past actions, protect those affected and make meaningful changes.
“I ask for prayer, not that my actions would be excused, but that I would have the humility and courage to face them honestly, make amends where appropriate, protect those affected, and allow God to produce genuine transformation in my life,” he said.
The cleric said he remained committed to moving forward with greater integrity, responsibility and accountability.
Adegoke is the senior pastor of Elijah Generation Church, also known as God Chasers, in Akure. Public profiles of the ministry identify him as its lead pastor and describe the church as being focused on spiritual growth and leadership development.
The development comes shortly after his marriage and has attracted attention online. Reports also indicate that Adegoke and his wife have disabled comments on their respective Instagram accounts following the controversy.
His decision to withdraw from public ministry does not amount to an announcement that he has permanently left pastoral work. Rather, his statement describes the move as a period of reflection, counselling, accountability and efforts to address the consequences of his past conduct.
The pastor's public apology has consequently placed emphasis on personal accountability and the process of rebuilding trust rather than attempting to dismiss the matter because the conduct occurred before his marriage.
He said he would continue the process of examining his actions and making changes, while asking those following the situation to pray for him.
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