Reports have emerged, strongly suggesting that Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, former Regional Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David, Region 20, and his wife, Dr. Siju Iluyomade, have resigned from their pastoral roles.
The resignation follows Pastor Iluyomade’s refusal to serve a three-month suspension and accept a transfer to another parish in Ebute Meta, a punitive decision that was taken by the leadership of the Pentecostal Church.
A source close to the former senior pastor told Vanguard that while Iluyomade may have resigned, his resignation has not yet been accepted by the governing council.
The source explained, “Since he is serving a suspension, the resignation has not been accepted by the governing council. The council will not meet until August when the suspension will lapse. The church has an exit procedure for pastors of his calibre.”
Reports also indicate that an influential group within the church is pressuring Iluyomade to start his ministry.
The Apapa Family, a prominent RCCG faction, is making efforts to ensure he establishes his ministry, according to findings by Vanguard.
“The Apapa Family group is believed to be an RCCG arm working with governments and other public sector institutions to establish charity projects in the areas of healthcare, education, infrastructure, citizens’ welfare and capacity building.
“Whether it is for self-gains and desires just the way they influenced Pastor Ituah Ighodalo to resign from the RCCG and establish their ministries, only God knows,” the source further said.
Pastor Iluyomade’s transfer from RCCG Region 20 followed controversy over the celebration of his wife’s birthday during a period of mourning for former Access Bank CEO Herbert Wigwe.
A new minister, Pastor Charles Kpandei, has taken over as the senior pastor of the region as of Sunday, June 9, 2024.
Meanwhile, KPMG Nigeria, a global network of professional firms providing audit, tax, and advisory services, has been consulted to investigate possible financial misappropriation within RCCG City of David.
The source added: “This is not the first time RCCG would employ the services of an auditing firm to investigate issues relating to finance. But the messy part of the story is that there is a loan running into billions that is hanging on the neck of the Trinity Tower, a business concern of the City of David.”
