By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Suspension and transfer: RCCG Pastor Iluyomade
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has suspended Idowu Iluyomade, the Senior Pastor of the City of David Parish in Lagos State.
Iluyomade, who also leads the Apapa Family of the church’s annex, received his suspension letter following the elaborate 60th birthday celebration of his wife, Siju. The pastor was suspended for three months by the church’s Governing Council, which acted after a panel investigated allegations against him and the parish.
A source informed Church Times that Pastor Charles Kpandei of the church’s Resurrection Parish Region 11 has been appointed to replace Iluyomade immediately.
A senior church pastor, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that the suspension was a reaction to the public outrage over the extravagant birthday party of Iluyomade’s wife, held shortly after the death of Herbert Wigwe, the former CEO of Access Bank. Wigwe, who had significantly supported the church, died in a helicopter crash in the US. The lavish birthday celebration, occurring just a week after Wigwe’s passing, was seen by many as insensitive.
Iluyomade, affectionately known as PID, faced criticism for the perceived lack of empathy towards Wigwe, who had been a substantial benefactor to the church.
In addition to leading the City of David, Iluyomade served as the Special Assistant to the RCCG General Overseer on Christian Social Responsibility through His Love Foundation. It remains unclear if he will continue in this role.
Furthermore, PUNCH Online gathered that Iluyomade’s suspension involved two major issues: the church’s audit and his alleged resistance to being transferred from the parish. An anonymous source revealed that the Governing Council discussed these issues and decided on the suspension, with the stipulation that upon its conclusion, Iluyomade would report to the church’s headquarters instead of returning to the City of David.
Suspension and transfer: RCCG Pastor Iluyomade