By AFTER much back and forth, authorities of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) have finally suspended Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, Senior Pastor of the City of David parish.
Stonix News reports that Iluyomade was also the head of the stupendously wealthy Apapa Family of the RCCG.
His suspension, it was gathered, came via a letter over the weekend as he was replaced with Pastor Charles Kpandei of RCCG Resurrection Parish of Region 11.
Iluyomade was reportedly suspended for three months by the RCCG Governing Council – the highest decision-making organ of the mission.
It was also gathered that a panel has also been set up to investigate some of the allegations levelled against him and the parish.
Pastor Kpandei, Iluyomade’s replacement, reportedly resumed at the City of David on Sunday, June 2.
“Those in the City of David had been expecting Pastor Kpandei. Some top RCCG officials had to meet with some top people in the parish and confided in them that Pastor Idowu would have to be removed from the parish.
“They needed to get the confidence of these top people because of the great influence of pastor Iluyomade in the parish.
“The RCCG was not sure of the outcome of its move, so it had to be discreet. He may not be returned to the parish after the suspension.
“We have just three months to the convention. It may be a way of taking him away from the place permanently.
“He has spent many years in that parish. He needed to be moved,” a source told Church Times.
Herbert Wigwe
The decision to suspend Iluyomade was said to be a response to the public outcry against the ungodly, extravagant birthday bash of his wife, Siju, shortly after the tragic passing of the then CEO of Access Bank, and top member of the parish, Herbert Wigwe.
“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.
“They needed to investigate some of the things people were saying against him and the church,” the source further disclosed.
Iluyomade is a lawyer of close to 40 years with interests in Advocacy and commercial practice especially in the areas of International Trade Finance, Mergers and acquisitions, international Joint Ventures, Energy Law, and a host of other engagements.
Fondly called PID, Pastor Iluyomade has been in the eyes of the storm following the display of callousness and opulence at the 60th birthday of his wife, barely a week after the passing of Wigwe in a helicopter crash in the US.
Wigwe had been of immense blessing to the church before his transition, but the birthday bash ran foul of empathy and compassion for the departed.
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