Pastor Idowu Iluyomade
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has suspended Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the Senior Pastor of the City of David Parish in Lagos State, following controversy surrounding the extravagant 60th birthday celebration of his wife, Siju Iluyomade.
The suspension, which also affects Iluyomade’s role as head of the Apapa Family of the church’s annex, was enacted over the weekend after the RCCG Governing Council convened to address the matter. Pastor Charles Kpandei from the church’s Resurrection Parish Region 11 has been appointed as his immediate replacement.
A source close to the church revealed to Church Times that the three-month suspension was the result of a panel investigation into allegations against Iluyomade and his parish. The decision follows public outcry over the lavish birthday party held shortly after the death of Access Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, in a helicopter crash in the United States.
A senior pastor within RCCG, who chose to remain anonymous, explained, “The decision to suspend Iluyomade is a response to the public outcry against the extravagant birthday party of his wife shortly after the death of Herbert Wigwe. The celebration, coming so soon after the tragedy, was seen as insensitive given Wigwe’s contributions to the church.”
Iluyomade, affectionately known as PID, has faced considerable scrutiny since the birthday event. The celebration, held roughly a week after Wigwe’s passing, was perceived by many as lacking in respect and emotional consideration for the late bank executive, who had been a significant benefactor to the church.
In addition to his role at City of David, Iluyomade serves as the Special Assistant to the RCCG General Overseer on Christian Social Responsibility through the His Love Foundation. It remains unclear if this responsibility has also been revoked.
Further information gathered by PUNCH Online indicates that “Iluyomade’s suspension is linked to two key issues: an audit of the church and his alleged resistance to a transfer from the parish.”
An anonymous source elaborated, “The church’s Governing Council met on two issues: the audit of the church, where questions were raised, and the pastor’s alleged resistance to transfer. The council resolved to suspend Iluyomade for three months, during which time the pastor next to him will be in charge.”
Upon completing his suspension, Iluyomade is expected to resume duties at the RCCG headquarters rather than the City of David parish. This decision marks a significant shift in leadership within one of RCCG’s prominent parishes, highlighting the church’s response to internal and public concerns.