The Head of the City of David Parish in Lagos State, Idowu Iluyomade, has been placed on leave by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG).

Iluyomade, who is also the leader of the Apapa Family at the church annex, was suspended following his wife Siju’s lavish 60th birthday celebration.

A source who talked with Church Times said that the pastor received his letter of suspension over the weekend and that, effective immediately, Pastor Charles Kpandei of the church’s Resurrection Parish Region 11 took over.

The source further stated that following, the formation of a panel to investigate the accusations made against him and the parish, Iluyomade was placed under three months of suspension by the church’s governing council.

A prominent church leader who wished to remain anonymous informed Church Times that Iluyomade’s suspension was a reaction to the public outcry against his wife’s lavish birthday celebration, which occurred ‘soon after Herbert Wigwe, the Access Bank former CEO, passed away.’

‘Iluyomade, also referred to as PID, has faced criticism ever since his spouse Siji reached the age of 60.’
Many felt the birthday was improper, given it was celebrated just over a week after Wigwe’s death in an American helicopter crash. Wigwe had been a tremendous benefit to the church prior to his transition. However, the birthday celebration revealed that the church didn’t seem to care about him.

Other than Iluyomade, who oversees the City of David, he serves as the RCCG General Overseer’s Special Assistant on Christian Social Responsibility through His Love Foundation. Whether he has likewise been released from this duty is unknown at this time.

ViztaDaily News Online further learned that the priest was placed on leave due to two matters pertaining to the church audit and his purported refusal to be moved out of the parish.

Owing to the seriousness of the current circumstance, our source asked not to be named but said, ‘The church’s Governing Council convened on two issues: the subject of an audit of the church within which concerns have been raised and the pastor’s reported disagreement with the move.’

ICYM: RCCG transfers and suspends Iluyomade

The council subsequently decided to put Iluyomade on hold for three months, and At that point, the preacher sitting next to him will take over.

‘The council also decided that he should resume at the church headquarters, perhaps not the capital of the City of David, during the time he returns from suspension.’