RCCG Suspends Pastor Iluyomade Over Lavish Birthday Celebration Amid Mourning
The City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Lagos has suspended Pastor Idowu Iluyomade following a lavish birthday party held for his wife shortly after the death of Herbert Wigwe, former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc.
A senior pastor of the church, who wished to remain anonymous, told ChurchTimes that the suspension was prompted by public outrage over the party. “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.”
The decision, according to church sources, was communicated to Iluyomade via a letter over the weekend. Pastor Charles Kpandei of RCCG Resurrection Parish of Region 11 has been appointed as his replacement.
Wigwe, who was a member of the Parish, died in a helicopter crash in February along with his wife, Chizoba; son, Chizi; and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc.
Dr. Siju Iluyomade's extravagant birthday celebration at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, sparked criticism for its timing so soon after the tragedy. Social commentators Chukwudi Iwuchukwu expressed their disapproval, by describing the party as offensive and inappropriate a week after the death of such a man whose tithe and benevolence sustained church's ministry.
The controversy grew when it was noted that The City of David Parish was excluded from Wigwe’s funeral programs, a rare occurrence for a church where a deceased person had been an active member. Instead, another RCCG Parish in Lagos was chosen to play a significant role in the funeral service.
During a service honoring Wigwe, Pastor Iluyomade paid tribute to him, highlighting his significant contributions to the church and various charitable projects. Iluyomade recounted how Wigwe's generosity, including a N500 million contribution to the God's children’s great talent project and support for the Makoko school, made a lasting impact.
Despite these tributes, the lavish party held by Pastor Iluyomade's wife has left many questioning the appropriateness of such a celebration during a period of mourning for a key member of their congregation.
Comments