The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) suspended Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the senior pastor of the City of David parish, due to public outcry following his wife’s extravagant birthday party after the death of Herbert Wigwe, a prominent member of the church .

The governing council made the decision to suspend Iluyomade for three months, and a panel was established to investigate allegations against him and the parish .

Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the senior pastor of the City of David parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), was suspended by the church’s governing council over the weekend  Iluyomade was replaced by Pastor Charles Kpandei of the RCCG Resurrection Parish in Region 11, who took over at the City of David on Sunday, June 2, but received a chilly reception.

Pastor Idowu Iluyomade was suspended, following the extravagant birthday party of his wife shortly after the death of Herbert Wigwe, former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc  Pastor Iluyomade has been replaced by Pastor Charles Kpandei of RCCG Resurrection Parish of Region 11 of the church.

A senior pastor within the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed to The Nation that the suspension of Pastor Idowu Iluyomade was a direct response to the widespread public criticism and outcry following the lavish birthday celebration of his wife, which occurred shortly after the passing of Herbert Wigwe, the former CEO of Access Bank. The pastor stated that the church’s leadership took this step to address the negative publicity and perceived insensitivity.

According to sources, members of the City of David parish had been anticipating the arrival of Pastor Charles Kpandei, as rumors of Pastor Idowu Iluyomade’s removal had been circulating. Top officials from the RCCG reportedly met with key individuals within the parish and discreetly informed them that Pastor Idowu would be removed from his position due to the controversy surrounding his wife’s birthday celebration. This move was seen as a necessary step to address the negative impact on the church’s image and maintain unity within 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 that suspended him. The governing council decided to suspend him. 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 Idowu Iluyomade, affectionately known as PID, has been at the center of controversy since his wife, Siji Iluyomade, celebrated her 60th birthday.

The celebration, which took place just a week after the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe, a prominent member of the church, was widely criticized as being in poor taste.

Many felt that the timing of the lavish party suggested a lack of emotional connection or respect from the church towards Wigwe, who had been a significant contributor to the church’s growth and development before his passing. This perceived insensitivity sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.