Apostle Sam Adegoke Pamilerin, pastor of Elijah Generation Church, Akure, Ondo State, has stepped back from public ministry after admitting to sexual relationships with several women before his recent marriage.
Adegoke, popularly known as “Mobile Fire”, disclosed this in a public statement in which he apologised to the women involved, his wife, family, church members and others who had entrusted him with spiritual leadership.
The admission has, however, triggered renewed scrutiny of allegations surrounding his dealings with female members of his church, following the circulation of purported WhatsApp conversations involving the cleric and a woman who appeared to have approached him for counselling.
The screenshots, circulated on social media by an X user, allegedly show conversations in which the woman discussed personal and emotional struggles with Adegoke, before the exchange reportedly shifted to questions about intimacy and the possibility of a sexual relationship. The authenticity and full context of the screenshots have not been independently established.
Reports on the controversy said the woman addressed Adegoke as “Daddy” in the exchanges and initially sought his counsel over an intimate relationship that she regretted. The alleged conversation subsequently portrayed the pastor discussing emotional vulnerability and a possible relationship between them.
In the reported exchange, Adegoke was also alleged to have indicated that he was in a relationship at the time, while suggesting that any relationship between them should have no emotional complications. The woman was reportedly hesitant, expressing concern about developing feelings.
The controversy intensified after the screenshots surfaced days after Adegoke’s public admission. Some social media users have also made broader allegations that he had relationships with female church members over several years, including claims that some women had previously confronted him over his conduct. Those claims remain allegations and have not been independently verified.
In his statement, however, Adegoke acknowledged that he had been involved in sexual relationships with women before his marriage and said he considered the conduct inconsistent with the standards expected of him as a Christian minister.
“Before I was married, I was involved in sexual relationships with women that I deeply regret,” he said, adding that his actions were wrong despite occurring before his marriage.
The cleric said he had spent several weeks away from public ministry and social media to reflect on his conduct, seek counsel and confront issues from his past.
He said he had also been receiving pastoral and professional counselling as part of what he described as a process of genuine repentance and accountability.
Adegoke further apologised to the women involved for any hurt, disappointment or harm his actions may have caused, while extending the apology to his wife, family, church, ministerial colleagues and members of the public who had trusted him.
He stressed that repentance should not be limited to an apology but should be demonstrated through changed conduct, accountability and willingness to face the consequences of one’s actions.
“I recognise that repentance is demonstrated not only through words, but through changed conduct, accountability, and a willingness to accept the consequences of my actions,” he said.
Adegoke did not specifically address the individual allegations contained in the leaked conversations or confirm the authenticity of the screenshots in his statement.
He instead asked for prayers, saying he wanted the humility and courage to confront his past, make amends where appropriate and protect those affected.
The development has placed renewed attention on the responsibilities and boundaries expected of religious leaders who counsel members on deeply personal issues, particularly where there is a significant imbalance of spiritual authority and trust.
For now, Adegoke’s withdrawal from public ministry marks his most significant response to the controversy, while questions surrounding the wider allegations remain subject to verification.
