The suspension of the Senior Pastor of the City of David parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, has sent shockwaves through the congregation.
Iluyomade, also the head of the Apapa Family of the RCCG, was reportedly suspended for three months by the church’s Governing Council, following a public outcry over his wife’s extravagant birthday party shortly after the death of former CEO of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe.
A panel has been set up to investigate allegations against him and the parish, marking a significant development within the RCCG.
Pastor Charles Kpandei of RCCG Resurrection Parish of Region 11 has been appointed as his temporary replacement.
Kpandei’s arrival at the City of David on Sunday, June 2 was met with a cold welcome, indicating a potentially turbulent period ahead for the congregation.
The sources said, “Those in the City of David had been expecting Pastor Kpandei. Some top RCCG officials had to meet with some top people in the parish and confided in them that Pastor Idowu would have to be removed from the parish.
“They needed to get the confidence of these top people because of the great influence of Pastor Iluyomade in the parish. The RCCG was not sure of the outcome of its move, so it had to be discreet. He may not be returned to the parish after the suspension.
“We have just three months to the convention. It may be a way of taking him away from the place permanently. He has spent many years in that parish. He needed to be moved.
“It was not Pastor Adeboye that suspended him. The governing council decided to suspend him. I think it’s a decision in the right direction. Though some believe it is coming late. They needed to investigate some of the things people were saying against him and the church.”
Affectionately known as PID, Iluyomade found himself at the center of controversy following the lavish 60th birthday celebration of his wife, Siji Iluyomade.
The timing of the celebration, coming just a week after the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe in a helicopter crash in the US, raised eyebrows and sparked criticism.
Wigwe had been a significant blessing to the church before his passing, and many felt that the extravagant birthday party so soon after his death was in poor taste.
Some viewed it as a lack of emotional attachment and sensitivity from the church towards Wigwe’s memory.
