The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has suspended Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the Senior Pastor of the City of David parish.
Iluyomade, who also serves as the head of the Apapa Family of the RCCG, was reportedly suspended over the weekend.
The Governing Council of the church has imposed a three-month suspension on Iluyomade and established a panel to investigate various allegations against him and the parish.
According to a senior pastor within the church, the suspension was prompted by public outrage over the extravagant birthday celebration of Iluyomade’s wife, which took place shortly after the death of Herbert Wigwe, the former CEO of Access Bank.
Pastor Charles Kpandei of RCCG Resurrection Parish of Region 11 has been appointed as Iluyomade’s replacement. Kpandei assumed his new role at the City of David on Sunday, June 2, where he reportedly received a cold reception from 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 who suspended him. The governing council made the decision. I believe it’s a step in the right direction, although some think it’s overdue. They needed to investigate the allegations made against him and the church.”
Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, affectionately known as PID, has faced significant criticism following his wife Siji Iluyomade’s 60th birthday celebration. Many felt the timing of the celebration, just a week after the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe in a helicopter crash in the US, was inappropriate.
Wigwe had been a significant benefactor to the church before his passing. The birthday party gave the impression that the church lacked emotional sensitivity towards his death.
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