The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has suspended Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the Senior Pastor of the City of David parish and head of the Apapa Family of the RCCG. The suspension, reportedly effective over the past weekend, was confirmed by sources to The Nation.

Pastor Iluyomade has been suspended for three months by the Governing Council of the church, which has also set up a panel to investigate allegations against him and the parish.

A senior pastor within the RCCG disclosed that the suspension followed public outcry over the extravagant celebration of his wife’s 60th birthday shortly after the death of former Access Bank CEO, Herbert Wigwe. The decision, he noted, was aimed at addressing concerns raised by the church community and ensuring accountability.

In the interim, Pastor Charles Kpandei from RCCG Resurrection Parish, Region 11, has been appointed to lead the City of David parish. Pastor Kpandei assumed his new role on Sunday, June 2, though his reception by the parishioners was reportedly frosty.

“Those in the City of David had been anticipating Pastor Kpandei’s arrival. Some top RCCG officials had to engage with influential members of the parish to explain Pastor Idowu’s removal,” a source revealed. “The church needed to secure their confidence due to Pastor Iluyomade’s significant influence within the parish. This move had to be handled discreetly given the uncertain reaction.”

Speculations are rife that Pastor Iluyomade may not return to his previous position post-suspension, especially with the church’s major convention approaching in three months. “He has spent many years in that parish. He needed to be moved,” the source added. “This decision was not made by Pastor Adeboye but by the governing council. It is seen by many as a step in the right direction, albeit belated. There were ongoing concerns that needed thorough investigation.”

Affectionately known as PID, Pastor Iluyomade has been under scrutiny since his wife Siji’s birthday celebration, which was perceived as insensitive following Wigwe’s death in a helicopter crash in the U.S. Wigwe, a significant benefactor to the church, was commemorated fondly, making the lavish birthday party appear particularly distasteful to many within the church community.

Credit: The Nation