Suspended RCCG Pastor Iluyomade Launches New Ministry in Lagos

Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the former pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) City of David Parish, has officially launched a new ministry in Lagos called The Family Fellowship.

In a video that went viral on Monday morning, Iluyomade was seen celebrating with members during their inaugural service, which took place on Sunday morning at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was filled with joyous dancing and jubilation.

Iluyomade took to Instagram to announce the new ministry, inviting the public to attend the fellowship.

He wrote, “The Family Fellowship invites you specially. Join us tomorrow at the Civic Centre for a special time in the Lord’s presence. Promises to be a great experience.”

Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, previously the senior pastor of RCCG’s City of David Parish, was suspended by the church in 2024.

The suspension followed a controversy after his wife, Pastor Siju, hosted an extravagant 60th birthday celebration just days after the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe, a key church member and former CEO of Access Bank, along with his wife and son.

The timing of the celebration, which occurred just weeks after Herbert Wigwe’s tragic passing in a helicopter crash in the United States, sparked widespread criticism, with many viewing it as insensitive.

Wigwe had been a key supporter of the church, making the celebration even more controversial. In response to the backlash, the RCCG Governing Council formed a panel to investigate the situation.

In June 2024, the Iluyomades were suspended for three months and reassigned to the church’s headquarters in Ebute Metta. The couple’s suspension became more public when they were also disinvited from the Wigwe family’s funeral.

Despite the controversy, the Iluyomades have now established their own ministry, continuing their spiritual journey with The Family Fellowship.