The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has suspended Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the Senior Pastor of the City of David parish, amid a growing controversy.
The suspension, which reportedly occurred over the weekend, has stirred discussions within the church community.
According to ChurchTimes, the suspension was a decision made by the church’s governing council rather than by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of RCCG.
“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,” a senior pastor from the church, who requested anonymity, stated.
Iluyomade was reported to have been suspended for three months by the Governing Council of the church. A panel has also been set up to investigate some of the allegations against him and the parish.
The suspension comes amid public outcry against Iluyomade and the church.
“They needed to investigate some of the things people were saying against him and the church,” the source added.
The suspension was reportedly communicated to Iluyomade via a letter.
In the interim, Pastor Charles Kpandei from RCCG Resurrection Parish of Region 11 has been appointed to replace Iluyomade.
The controversy surrounding Iluyomade intensified following the death of Herbert Wigwe, a prominent member of the parish, who tragically died in a helicopter crash in February along with his wife Chizoba, their son Chizi, and a former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
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Fueling the controversy, Dr. Siju Iluyomade, the wife of Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, hosted a lavish birthday celebration at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, shortly after Wigwe’s death.
The event featured popular singer Flavour N’abania, who performed several hit songs, including “Ada Ada,” “Berna,” and “Adamma.” The presence of a secular singer at the event and the timing of the celebration sparked criticism from some members of the public and church community.
Many expressed their displeasure, questioning the appropriateness of such a grand celebration so soon after the tragic incident involving a key member of their church.
