The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has finally suspended the controversial Senior Pastor of the City of David parish, Victoria Island, Lagos, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade.
The decision made by the church’s Governing Council was disclosed over the weekend. The church’s General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, was absolved of direct responsibility for the decision.
It appears the church was acting in response to popular demand. One senior pastor of the church quipped, “Although some people say it’s come too late, I think it’s a good decision. They needed to investigate some of the things people were saying against him and the church.”
It is unclear how the powerful Iluyomade who has defied all expectations for his removal is taking his ouster.
Pastor Iluyomade is credited with building one of the church’s most exquisite infrastructures – the N10 billion City of David parish citadel. The edifice comprises a 4-star hotel, eatery, conference centers, and other exotic places of commercial activities.
Initial reports say he was replaced by Pastor Charles Kpandei from RCCG Resurrection Parish of Region 11 but that is being contradicted by other reports suggesting the replacement is one Pastor Kayode Pitan. JolibaLive News! has not independently verified the exact information.
The church happens to be the place of worship of the late banker, Herbert Wigwe – former CEO of Access Bank plc who died in a helicopter crash in California in March along with his wife Chizoba, their son Chizi, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, a former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc.
Part of the controversy arose when it was alleged that Dr. Siju Iluyomade, the wife of Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, hosted a lavish 60th birthday celebration at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, only days after Wigwe’s tragic death.
The event featured popular secular singer Flavour N’abania, who performed several hit songs, including “Berna“, “Adamm” and “Ada Ada.” Many church members considered it insensitive, given the pivotal role the demised couple played financially and morally in the church.
Signs of the Wigwe family’s disapproval of Dr. Siju Iluyomade’s actions became evident when the City of David Parish was missing from Herbert Wigwe’s funeral programs. Typically, churches where a deceased was an active member plays central roles in their funeral ceremonies. However, for Wigwe’s funeral service, the family opted to replace the City of David Parish with another RCCG parish in Lagos.
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