The City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Lagos has suspended Pastor Idowu Iluyomade following an extravagant birthday celebration hosted by his wife, Dr. Siju Iluyomade, shortly after the death of Herbert Wigwe, the former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc.
According to ChurchTimes, a high-ranking pastor within RCCG, who chose to remain anonymous, disclosed that the church’s governing council decided to suspend Iluyomade due to public criticism of the party. The pastor clarified, “It wasn’t Pastor Adeboye who suspended him.
The governing council decided to suspend him. I believe it’s a step in the right direction, though some feel it’s overdue.”
The source added that the council needed to investigate several allegations against Iluyomade and the church. The suspension was communicated to Iluyomade via a letter over the weekend, and Pastor Charles Kpandei from RCCG Resurrection Parish of Region 11 has been appointed as his replacement.
Wigwe, who tragically died in a helicopter crash in February, was a prominent member of the City of David Parish. Dr. Siju Iluyomade’s lavish birthday celebration at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos, sparked controversy due to its timing shortly after the tragic death of Wigwe and his family.
Chukwudi Iwuchukwu, a social commentator, voiced his disapproval, stating, “After all the charity and benevolence, it’s offensive and inappropriate to host such an extravagant party a week after the death of a man whose contributions sustained your husband’s ministry when his body is barely cold. I wonder what Wigwe would think in the afterlife seeing such a carnival at the Eko Hotel Lagos just a week after his death. This is a lesson for the living.”
Similar sentiments were echoed on social media, with some dismissing the criticisms as distractions. Notably, signs of the Wigwe family’s disapproval were evident when The City of David Parish was excluded from Wigwe’s funeral programs. Typically, churches attended by the deceased play significant roles in their funeral ceremonies, but another RCCG Parish in Lagos took on this role for Wigwe’s funeral service.
During one of the services held for Wigwe, Pastor Iluyomade paid tribute to him, describing him as a “God’s general” and recounting his philanthropic deeds, including support for indigent students and various charitable projects through the Herbert Wigwe Foundation.
Despite these acknowledgments, the timing and manner of the lavish celebration organized by the Iluyomades have raised questions and stirred controversy within the church community and beyond.
