Apostle Sam Adegoke of Elijah Generation Church in Akure, Ondo State, has stepped back from public ministry and apologised to women he had sexual relationships with before his marriage last month.
The cleric made the disclosure in a public statement released on Monday, saying he had spent the past few weeks away from public ministry and social media to reflect on his actions, seek counsel and confront issues from his past.
Adegoke, who is also known as Apostle Sam Pamilerin, acknowledged that he had been involved in sexual relationships with women before getting married and said he deeply regretted his conduct.
He stressed that although the relationships occurred before his marriage, he did not consider that fact an excuse for his actions.
“Before I was married, I was involved in sexual relationships with women that I deeply regret. Although these events occurred before my marriage, I acknowledge that my actions were wrong and fell short of the standards of holiness, integrity, and self-control I am called to uphold as a Christian and minister of the Gospel,” he said.
The pastor said he was taking full responsibility for his actions and apologised to the women involved for any pain, disappointment or harm they may have experienced.
He also extended his apology to his newlywed wife, family, church members, colleagues and others who had trusted him for spiritual leadership.
“I take full responsibility for my actions and sincerely apologise to the women involved for any hurt, disappointment, or harm I may have caused. I also apologise to my wife, my family, my church, my colleagues, and everyone who has trusted me and looked to me for spiritual leadership,” Adegoke said.
He further disclosed that he had been receiving pastoral and professional counselling while examining his conduct and considering how best to make amends.
According to the cleric, his decision to step away from public ministry is part of his effort to take accountability rather than attempt to minimise what happened because the relationships occurred before his marriage.
“I recognise that repentance is demonstrated not only through words, but through changed conduct, accountability, and a willingness to accept the consequences of one’s actions,” he said.
Adegoke also asked the public to pray for him, making it clear that he was not seeking prayers so that his actions would be excused.
“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 public apology comes amid allegations made by several women from his congregation. According to Premium Times, women in leaked WhatsApp conversations accused the cleric of having sexual relationships with female church members between 2019 and 2026, with some alleging that the relationships continued close to the period of his wedding. Those claims remain allegations and have not been independently established.
Additional alleged WhatsApp conversations involving Adegoke and female congregants have also surfaced online following his admission. Reports have cautioned that the leaked screenshots circulating on social media are alleged conversations rather than independently verified evidence.
Adegoke’s statement, however, confirms that he had sexual relationships with women before his marriage and that he accepts responsibility for his conduct.
He said he intends to remain subject to spiritual, pastoral and professional accountability while working through the situation and making amends where appropriate.
Meanwhile, Adegoke and his wife have reportedly disabled comments on their respective Instagram accounts as reactions to the controversy continue online.
The pastor said his focus at this stage was not on defending himself but on confronting his past honestly, protecting those affected and demonstrating change through his actions.
“I am deeply sorry and remain committed to walking forward with greater integrity, responsibility, and accountability,” he said.
