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In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the Senior Pastor of the City of David parish, has been suspended.
Iluyomade, who also leads the influential Apapa Family within the church, reportedly faced suspension over the weekend. Sources close to the matter disclosed this dramatic turn of events to The Nation.
Suspension and Investigation
Pastor Iluyomade's suspension, which is said to last three months, was handed down by the church's Governing Council. Alongside this suspension, a panel has been established to probe various allegations against both Iluyomade and his parish.
A prominent pastor within the RCCG revealed that this suspension is partly a reaction to the public outrage over the lavish birthday celebration for Iluyomade's wife, Siji, which occurred shortly after the tragic death of former Access Bank CEO, Herbert Wigwe. This timing was deemed inappropriate by many, stirring considerable controversy.
Replacement and Reaction
In Iluyomade's absence, Pastor Charles Kpandei from RCCG Resurrection Parish, Region 11, has taken the helm at the City of David parish. However, sources indicate that Kpandei's arrival on Sunday, June 2, was met with a notably chilly reception.
"Those in the City of David had been expecting Pastor Kpandei," a source divulged. "Some top RCCG officials had to meet with influential parish members to prepare them for Pastor Idowu's removal. Given Pastor Iluyomade's significant influence, the church had to tread carefully."
Behind the Decision
The decision to suspend Iluyomade was not made by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of RCCG, but rather by the Governing Council. A senior church member commented on the rationale: "I think it’s a decision in the right direction, though some believe it is coming late. They needed to investigate some of the things people were saying against him and the church."
Pastor Iluyomade, affectionately known as PID, has been a central figure in the RCCG, especially in the City of David parish. However, the extravagant celebration of his wife’s 60th birthday, held shortly after the death of Wigwe, has been a major point of contention.
Many church members and outsiders viewed the celebration as insensitive, given Wigwe's significant contributions to the church before his untimely demise in a helicopter crash in the United States.
Future Uncertain
The future of Pastor Iluyomade within RCCG remains uncertain. With just three months until the church's annual convention, some speculate that his suspension might lead to a permanent reassignment. "He has spent many years in that parish. He needed to be moved," the source added.
The unfolding events have sparked a mix of shock, speculation, and introspection within the RCCG community. As the investigation continues, the church awaits further developments with bated breath.
See the video below:
RCCG reportedly suspends pastor whose wife threw an extravagant birthday party shortly after Herbert Wigwe’s d£athpic.twitter.com/JkVQVnCdX5
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) June 3, 2024
Pastor Siju Iluyomade, the wife of the senior Pastor of one of the biggest RCCG Parish held her 60th birthday party over the weekend, there was no assemblage of gospel artists, it was sexy Flavour who is the lead performer and a few other artists, it was a lavish party and quite… pic.twitter.com/EUXEpivFQu
— Eleyi of Edinburgh 🇳🇬 🏴 (@Ayoappeal) February 19, 2024
Source: The Nation | Instablog9ja
#City of David
#Pastor Iluyomade
#Siji Iluyomade
#RCCG
#Herbert Wigwe
#Birthday Party
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