Pastor Idowu of City of David
The City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Lagos has suspended Pastor Idowu Iluyomade due to the extravagant birthday celebration held by his wife shortly after the passing of Herbert Wigwe, the former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc.
According to ChurchTimes, a high-ranking pastor within the church, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated that the decision to suspend Iluyomade was made by the governing council in response to public criticism of the party.
“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.”
“They needed to investigate some of the allegations against him and the church,” the source explained.
Iluyomade’s suspension, as per church sources, was communicated to him via a letter over the weekend.
He has since been replaced by Pastor Charles Kpandei from RCCG Resurrection Parish of Region 11.
Wigwe, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in February, was a member of the Parish.
Following his demise, Dr. Siju Iluyomade, the wife of the Parish Pastor, organized a lavish birthday celebration that drew criticism.
Prominent figures attended the event, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos, which stirred controversy given its timing shortly after the tragic deaths of a prominent church member and his family.
Chukwudi Iwuchukwu, a social commentator, expressed 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, although some dismissed them as distractions.
Notably, signs of the Wigwe family’s disapproval surfaced when The City of David Parish was omitted from Wigwe’s funeral programs. Typically, churches attended by deceased individuals play significant roles in their funeral ceremonies. However, another RCCG Parish in Lagos replaced the City of David for the funeral service.
During one of the services held for Wigwe, Iluyomade paid tribute to the deceased, describing him as a “God’s general” and recalling his philanthropic deeds. He highlighted Wigwe’s significant contributions to various charitable projects, including support for indigent students and the nurturing of talents 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.