- A suspended pastor from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) recently opened a new church
- This move sparked controversial reactions on social media
- Nigerians questioned his genuineness, given that there was controversy regarding his suspension
Amid controversies around his suspension, a former pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Idowu Iluyomade, has allegedly opened a new church.
The newly-launched church called Family Fellowship, is said to be opened in the Victoria Island axis of Lagos.
Iluyomade, who was the former pastor of the City of David parish of the RCCG, was suspended in 2024 following a backlash of a 60th birthday party he held for his wife, Siju Iluyomade.
The party was also deemed inappropriate, according to reports, because of the tragic and sensitive helicopter death of Herbert Wigwe in the United States.
Wigwe was said to be a prominent member of the church, and Iluyomade’s wife's birthday celebration clashed with the sensitive moment when members were mourning his death.
In a recent video that surfaced online, on Sunday, January 19, Illuyomade was captured in his new church happily dancing as he worshipped with his members.
It was the inaugural service of his newly established church. Meanwhile, the absence of his wife in videos circulating on social media raised questions.
Nigerians criticise Iluyomade’s recent move
Nigerians have shared divided opinions on the recent development of pastor Iluyomade. Many criticised his actions and claimed that the cleric was not remorseful of ‘actions’ that led to his suspension.
TheRadar curated some below:
@Dansuki1122 said, “All these people are just business men aside catholic and living faith the rest na just business,”
@Mazimum_ said, “I'm very certain that if you ask him what made him open his own church, he will say it was a direction from God, and he will also have a Bible verse to back it up!”
@It_Chioma wrote, “Church business will continue to strive in Nigeria because people want to believe in something. They want to believe someone is responsible for their problems, they want to believe their pastor has all the solutions to their problems and that he can save them. Pastors on the other hand use this mindset as a weapon to extort the people,”
@EbituPromise said, “May his business continue to grow. I am sure investors will be looking for how they will respond now. Congratulations,”
@dan_p_fem said, “With the launch of Family Fellowship, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade demonstrates his unshakeable commitment to serving his community and sharing the teachings of God,”
@MrKlassiq said, “I guess since redeem suspended him , God decided to call him personally,”
@official_micolo said, “…60th birthday celebration for his wife while everyone was mourning the loss of a prominent member of their parish, Dr. Herbert Wigwe,”
@charliebeato said, “Baba say: I no go tire. Suspension na for chair, no be for calling,”
@philkikis said, “he's not the first pastor to be suspended from RCCG, and he won't be the last!!! they all went ahead to open their and became independent pastors, with RCCG experience!!! 85 of new churches with new names emanated from RCCG, Their lead pastors were either suspended or left RCCG. Go and verify,”
@FabsTola wrote, “Hmmm religion na scam. Just believe in God and do your thing,”
Nigerians descend heavily on Pastor Adeboye and son over alleged N8b fraud case
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that many Nigerians expressed anger at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, especially at the general overseer who recently said the country's problems are spiritual and not political.
The son of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Adeolu Adeboye, and his wife were reportedly involved in an alleged fraud case. They had allegedly received N8 billion for a road construction project but only completed 30 per cent of the project.
