The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has suspended Idowu Iluyomade, the Senior Pastor of the City of David Parish in Lagos State.
This decision follows the extravagant 60th birthday celebration of his wife, Siju.
According to sources who spoke with Church Times, Iluyomade received his suspension letter over the weekend and was replaced immediately by Pastor Charles Kpandei of the church’s Resurrection Parish Region 11.
The RCCG Governing Council suspended Iluyomade for three months after convening a panel to investigate allegations against him and the parish.
A senior church official, preferring anonymity, revealed that the suspension was a response to the public backlash against the lavish birthday celebration held shortly after the death of Access Bank’s CEO, Herbert Wigwe.
Iluyomade, popularly known as PID, has faced criticism for hosting the birthday party just a week after Wigwe’s death in a helicopter crash in the US.
Wigwe was a significant benefactor to the church, and the timing of the celebration was seen by many as insensitive.
Iluyomade, in addition to leading the City of David, serves as the Special Assistant to the RCCG General Overseer on Christian Social Responsibility through His Love Foundation.
It is unclear if this role has also been affected by his suspension.
Further details gathered by PUNCH Online indicate that the suspension also involves issues related to a church audit and Iluyomade’s alleged resistance to being transferred from the parish.
A source close to the matter explained, “The church’s Governing Council met on two issues: the audit of the church and the pastor’s alleged resistance to transfer. The council resolved to suspend Iluyomade for three months. During this period, the next-in-line pastor will assume leadership. Upon his return, Iluyomade is to report to the church’s headquarters, not the City of David.”
