By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
A Nigerian don at the University of South Africa has urged the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, to punish the pastor in charge of RCCG, City of David, Lagos, for his insensitivity to the passing of Herbert Wigwe by embarking on a riotous birthday bash for his wife, Pastor Mrs Siju Iluyomade.
The lecturer, Dr Wole Durodolu, made the appeal in a letter addressed to Pastor Adeboye sighted by Stonix News on Monday.
In the letter, Dr Durodolu drew the attention of Pastor Adeboye to what he tagged “the recent misbehaviour of Pastor Siju Iluyomade,” who threw an extravagant party to mark the 60th birthday of his wife when the church was supposed to be mourning the death of Mr Wigwe and his family who were their staunch members.
Stonix News had reported that Mr Herbert Wigwe, the former Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank and a devoted member of RCCG, City of David Branch, passed along with his wife and son in a fatal helicopter accident in the USA on February 9, 2024.
Durodolu stated that the action of Iluyomade and his wife was saddening because Mr Wigwe was not only a faithful member of the church, but also a generous supporter and leader in many church projects.
He added that the actions of the pastor and his wife not only contravened the principles of empathy and compassion as preached by Jesus Christ, but were also insensitive considering the economic crisis ravaging the country.
He, therefore, urged Pastor Adeboye to address the matter with the seriousness it deserves and mete out the appropriate punishment to Pastor Iluyomade and his wife to serve as a deterrent to future misdemeanor.
The letter read thus:
“I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of deep concern regarding the recent misbehaviour of one of your pastors, Dr. Siju Iluyomade, and his wife.
As you may already be aware, the untimely and tragic death of Herbert Wigwe, a beloved member and significant contributor to the RCCG City of David branch, has deeply affected not only the congregation but the entire financial intuitions from where Wigwe has made his mark. His sudden passing, along with his wife and child, in a fatal helicopter accident in the United States, has left a void in the hearts of many and the church community.
“Mr. Wigwe was not only a faithful member of the church but also a generous supporter and leader in many church projects. His dedication to the growth and prosperity of the RCCG City of David was evident through his role as Chairman of the building committee and his substantial financial contributions.
“However, one is deeply saddened to report that shortly after Mr. Wigwe’s passing, Pastor Iluyomade hosted an extravagant birthday celebration to mark the 60th birthday of his wife. Despite the sombre mood and the ongoing forensic investigation surrounding Mr Wigwe’s death, the lavishness of the event was shocking and insensitive.
“As Christians, the calling is to mourn with those who mourn and to show compassion and empathy during times of grief. Hosting such an extravagant celebration so soon after the tragic loss of Mr Wigwe and his family goes against the teachings of Christ and the principles of empathy and compassion that should guide the actions of Christians. Even the late Queen Elizabeth cancelled her birthday party for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“What is the church of Jesus Christ turning into in Nigeria? Apart from the sudden death of Wigwe and his family, does the mood of the nation warrant such extravagance? With the serious economic crisis where many people are struggling to eat, the question we need to ask is whether Jesus would have in a like manner.
“In light of the current economic crisis and the suffering of many in our nation, it is especially disheartening to witness such wasteful expenditure. Instead of indulging in extravagance, I believe it is incumbent upon us, as a church community, to seek ways to alleviate the suffering of those in need. We can take inspiration from the Catholic Church’s efforts to address food insecurity by establishing large-scale farming initiatives. Instead of this wasteful expenditure can’t our churches in Nigeria take a cue from the Catholic Church that established a big farm settlement of 70 hectares of land with land bigger than France, in other to assist in bringing an end to food insecurity that is ravaging the world at the moment? This is what we can do to alleviate the suffering of the people rather than crumbling, murmuring, and complaining about the politicians all the time. I do not doubt that you will extend appropriate punishment to Dr Iluyomade and his wife for this pro-satanic behaviour.
“I urge you, Pastor Adeboye, to address this matter with the seriousness it deserves. I hope that appropriate action will be taken to address the insensitive behaviour of Pastor Iluyomade and his wife and to ensure that such actions are not repeated in the future.
“Thank you for your attention to this matter, and may God grant you wisdom and discernment as you navigate this challenging situation.”
Recall that barely two weeks after Wigwe passed with his heartthrob and son in the fatal crash, RCCG City of David was agog and in reverie over the 60th birthday of Pastor Mrs Siju Iluyomade.
The effrontery and insensitivity amid mourning of the departed whose aged parents are still alive, drew the attention of the world to condemning the act.
Besides, the celebrating pastors were accused of going overboard to engage the services of a secular pop star, Flavour, who dished out lewd lyrics to inflame the flesh of the celebrants and their audience in a manner alien to their spiritual callings.
What's your reaction?
