Suspended RCCG Pastor, Idowu Iluyomade, Facing Pressure to Establish Own Ministry

By Iyojo Ameh

The embattled 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 reportedly stepped down from their roles as pastors within the church amidst mounting pressure to start their own ministry.

The decision to resign follows Pastor Iluyomade’s refusal to comply with a three-month suspension and a transfer to another parish in Ebute Meta.

Pastor Iluyomade’s transfer stemmed from controversy surrounding his wife’s birthday celebration, which coincided with the church’s period of mourning for the late former CEO of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe.

Taking Pastor Iluyomade’s place, Pastor Charles Kpandei assumed duties as the new senior pastor of RCCG Region 20 on Sunday, June 9, 2024.

Sources close to the situation revealed to the media that while Pastor Iluyomade has submitted his resignation letter, the governing council of RCCG is yet to accept it.

Moreover, it’s alleged that the Apapa Family, an RCCG arm involved in collaborations with governmental and public sector entities for charitable initiatives, is actively advocating for Pastor Iluyomade to establish his own ministry.

A source familiar with the matter stated, “Since he is serving a suspension, the resignation has not been accepted by the governing council. The council will not meet until August when the suspension will lapse. The church has an exit procedure for pastors of his calibre.”

The source continued, “The Apapa Family group is believed to be an RCCG arm working with governments and other public sector institutions to establish charity projects in the areas of healthcare, education, infrastructure, citizens’ welfare, and capacity building.”

The situation draws parallels to previous instances where RCCG pastors, such as Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, resigned from the church to establish their own ministries, raising questions about potential motivations and desires behind such decisions.