The Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates (COPA) has revealed that no fewer than 24 public interests lawyers and advocates have decided to take up the case of Busola Dakolo against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo for free.
Pelumi Olajengbesi, leader of COPA, said this in a statement on Sunday, describing the rape allegation as ”grievous and must therefore not be swept under the carpet.”
He said the lawyers picked up the interest in the case because the allegation of such has been leveled against Pastor Fatoyingbo in the past.
“We are mindful that such an allegation had, in the past, been levelled against the same individual by a plethora of women, claiming to have had the misfortune of coming in contact with him. Any reasonable individual must deduce that there is, in fact, a dire concern to be put to rest here by laying the whole truth bare through proactive action.
“The failure of Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, now and in the past, to address these allegations and clear the air on his innocence is not just an arrogant disregard of public sensitivity but a dare to the general public, perhaps, to ‘do its worse’.
The issue of rape and sexual abuse is a contextual one with great significance in our laws and culture. “It is not just a ruthless crime but a moral impropriety that must be addressed post-haste for the culprit to face justice so the victim might find succor and respite in the sanction of the law.”