The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has suspended Idowu Iluyomade, the Senior Pastor of the City of David Parish in Lagos State. This action follows the lavish 60th birthday celebration of his wife, Siju.
Sources revealed to Church Times that Iluyomade received his suspension letter over the weekend. He has been replaced by Pastor Charles Kpandei from the church’s Resurrection Parish Region 11, effective immediately.Iluyomade’s three-month suspension was ordered by the church’s Governing Council after a panel investigated the allegations against him and his parish.
An anonymous senior pastor in the church explained that this decision was influenced by public disapproval of the opulent birthday celebration, which took place shortly after the death of Herbert Wigwe, the then CEO of Access Bank. Wigwe, who died in a helicopter crash in the US, had significantly contributed to the church, making the timing of the birthday party appear insensitive.Known as PID, Iluyomade also holds the position of Special Assistant to the RCCG General Overseer on Christian Social Responsibility through His Love Foundation. It remains unclear if he will retain this role.
According to rumors, Iluyomade’s suspension is linked to two issues: a church audit and his alleged refusal to be transferred from the parish. An anonymous source stated, “The church’s Governing Council met regarding the audit and the pastor’s reported resistance to a transfer. They resolved to suspend Iluyomade for three months, after which he will resume at the church’s headquarters instead of the City of David.”
