Lagos, Nigeria – Strong indications have emerged that Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, former Regional Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David, Region 20, and his wife, Dr. Siju Iluyomade, have resigned from their positions within the church. This follows Pastor Iluyomade’s refusal to serve a three-month suspension and accept a transfer to another parish in Ebute Meta.

A source close to the former senior pastor revealed that while Pastor Iluyomade may have tendered his resignation, it has yet to be accepted by the RCCG governing council. “Since he is serving a suspension, the resignation has not been accepted. The council will not meet until August, when the suspension will lapse. The church has an exit procedure for pastors of his calibre,” the source told Vanguard.

In the meantime, there are reports of an influential group within the church, known as the Apapa Family, exerting pressure on Pastor Iluyomade to establish his own ministry. This group is an arm of RCCG that collaborates with governments and public sector institutions to launch charity projects in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and citizen welfare.

Speculation is rife about the motives behind this move, with some drawing parallels to the departure of Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, who similarly left RCCG to establish his own ministry. “Whether it is for self-gains and desires, only God knows,” the source added.

The controversy surrounding Pastor Iluyomade began when he was transferred from RCCG Region 20 amidst backlash over the celebration of his wife’s birthday, which coincided with the mourning period for the former CEO of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe. Following his transfer, Pastor Charles Kpandei assumed the role of senior pastor of the region on Sunday, June 9, 2024.

Further complicating the situation, KPMG Nigeria, a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax, and Advisory services, has been reportedly consulted to investigate possible financial misappropriation within the RCCG City of David. “This is not the first time RCCG would employ the services of an auditing firm to investigate financial issues. But the messy part of the story is that there is a loan running into billions hanging over the Trinity Tower, a business concern of the City of David,” the source disclosed.

As the RCCG governing council prepares to address these issues in its upcoming August meeting, the church community remains abuzz with anticipation and speculation about the future of Pastor Iluyomade and the financial integrity of the City of David.

Credit: Punch