RCCG: Suspended City of David pastor, Idowu Iluyomade resigns to start own ministry

There are strong indications that former Regional Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David, Region 20, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, and his wife, Dr. Siju Iluyomade, have resigned from their pastoral roles.

The resignation reportedly followed Pastor Iluyomade’s refusal to serve a three-month suspension and accept a transfer to another parish in Ebute Meta.

A source close to the former senior pastor informed Vanguard that while Iluyomade may have submitted his resignation, it has not yet been accepted by the governing council. The source explained, “Since he is currently serving a suspension, the resignation has not been accepted. The governing council will not meet until August when the suspension period ends. The church has a specific exit procedure for pastors of his standing.”

Vanguard also learned that an influential group within the church may be encouraging Iluyomade to establish his ministry. Reliable sources revealed that the Apapa Family, an RCCG arm involved in charity projects across various sectors, is making efforts to support Pastor Iluyomade in setting up his ministry. The source added, “The Apapa Family group is believed to be an RCCG arm working with governments and other public sector institutions to establish charity projects in healthcare, education, infrastructure, citizens’ welfare, and capacity building. Whether their influence is for self-gains and desires, only God knows.”

This situation follows Pastor Iluyomade’s transfer from RCCG Region 20 after controversy arose from celebrating his wife’s birthday during a period of mourning for the former CEO of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe.

Pastor Charles Kpandei has assumed the role of senior pastor for the region as of Sunday, June 9, 2024.

Meanwhile, KPMG Nigeria, a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax, and Advisory services, has reportedly been consulted to investigate potential financial misappropriation within RCCG City of David. The source noted, “This is not the first time RCCG has employed an auditing firm to investigate financial issues. However, the concerning aspect is a loan amounting to billions linked to the Trinity Tower, a business venture of the City of David.”