Bishop Dayo Olutayo of Good Tidings Bible Church, Abuja has been asked to voluntarily step aside from pastoral leadership following his remarriage after a 33-years marital union without divorce.
Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies made the call in a statement posted on social media.
She noted that the statement was not driven by malice, sentiment, or denominational rivalry, but by clear biblical standards governing church leadership, especially the office of a bishop/overseer.
The statement read in part, “With deep concern for the integrity of the Christian ministry, the authority of Scripture, and the moral witness of the Church, this public biblical admonition is been issued to Bishop Dayo Olutayo of Good Tidings Bible Church, Abuja to voluntarily step aside from pastoral leadership following his remarriage after a 33-year marital union without divorce.
“This statement is not driven by malice, sentiment, or denominational rivalry, but by clear biblical standards governing church leadership, especially the office of a bishop/overseer.
” Pastoral Office Is Governed by higher moral standards.
Scripture is unequivocal that leaders in the Church are held to stricter judgment.
“Pastoral authority is not merely charismatic or institutional—it is moral, spiritual, and exemplary.
” The Bishop Must Be “the Husband of One Wife”. 1 Timothy 3:2: “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour…”
Titus 1:6–7: “If any be blameless, the husband of one wife… For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God.”
“This phrase is not merely numerical; it refers to:
Marital fidelity, marital permanence, public moral credibility.
“A remarriage following a long-standing marriage—outside the clear biblical exceptions—raises grave theological and pastoral concerns, especially for one occupying the episcopal office.
” Jesus’ Teaching on Marriage and Divorce. Christ’s teaching is uncompromising. Matthew 19:6: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Luke 16:18: “Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery…”
While Scripture acknowledges human failure, pastoral leadership requires not only forgiveness but fitness for office.
“Forgiveness does not automatically restore office.
King David was forgiven—but never permitted to build the Temple. 2 Samuel 12:13–14
“The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit… the sword shall never depart from thine house.” 1 Corinthians 9:27: “Lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
Forgiveness restores relationship with God, not necessarily qualification for leadership.
“The Church Must Avoid Scandal. 1 Timothy 3:7:
“Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach.” Romans 2:24:
“The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you.”
Public remarriage by a sitting bishop after decades of marriage risks: Confusing believers, weakening marital doctrine, undermining pastoral credibility and bringing reproach upon the Church.
“Stepping aside Is not condemnation but accountability. 1 Peter 5:3
“Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.”
Stepping aside from the pulpit:
Is an act of humility,protects the sanctity of the office, preserves the witness of the Church, allows space for restoration without leadership pressure, especially when you’re the one who drove away your wife and departed from her.
“A Call to Conscience and the Fear of God. Hebrews 13:17: “They watch for your souls, as they that must give account.” 1 Corinthians 10:12: “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” Therefore, in the fear of God and fidelity to Scripture, I call on Bishop Dayo Olutayo to: voluntarily relinquish pastoral oversight,submit to biblical accountability, preserve the holiness of the episcopal office, allow the Church to heal and uphold truth”.
