The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has suspended Idowu Iluyomade, the Senior Pastor of the City of David Parish in Lagos. Iluyomade, who also leads the Apapa Family of the church’s annex, was suspended following the lavish 60th birthday celebration of his wife, Siju.
A source told Church Times that Iluyomade received his suspension notice over the weekend and was immediately replaced by Pastor Charles Kpandei of the church’s Resurrection Parish, Region 11. The Governing Council of the church decided to suspend Iluyomade for three months after a panel was set up to investigate allegations against him and his parish.
A senior pastor, who spoke anonymously, explained that the decision was made in response to public backlash over the extravagant birthday celebration, which occurred shortly after the tragic death of Access Bank CEO Herbert Wigwe in a helicopter crash in the U.S. Many saw the timing of the celebration as inappropriate, especially considering Wigwe’s significant contributions to the church.
In addition to overseeing the City of David, Iluyomade also serves as the Special Assistant to the RCCG General Overseer on Christian Social Responsibility through the church’s His Love Foundation. It remains unclear whether this role has been revoked.
Iluyomade’s suspension stems from two main issues: an audit of the church’s activities and allegations that he resisted being transferred from his parish. The Governing Council addressed these concerns, leading to the suspension and a directive that Iluyomade will return to the church’s headquarters after the suspension, rather than resuming at the City of David.