By Ayomide Otitoju
Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the suspended senior pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David Parish, has founded a new ministry, The Family Fellowship, in Lagos.
In a widely circulated video on Monday, Iluyomade was seen celebrating with members during the inaugural service held at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island on Sunday morning. The service featured jubilant worship, with attendees dancing in celebration.
Announcing the launch on Instagram, Iluyomade invited the public to join the ministry. “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,” he posted.
Background of Suspension
Iluyomade’s new ministry comes months after he and his wife, Pastor Siju Iluyomade, were suspended by RCCG in 2024. The suspension followed criticism of an elaborate celebration hosted by Pastor Siju to mark her 60th birthday. The event occurred shortly after the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe, a prominent church supporter and former CEO of Access Bank, along with his wife and son, in a helicopter crash in the United States.
The timing of the celebration, just weeks after the Wigwe family’s passing, was met with public backlash and deemed insensitive by many. The RCCG Governing Council subsequently convened a panel to investigate, leading to the couple’s three-month suspension and reassignment to the church’s headquarters in Ebute Metta.
The suspension also sparked further controversy as the Iluyomades were reportedly disinvited from the Wigwe family’s funeral.
A New Spiritual Chapter
With The Family Fellowship, the Iluyomades appear to be charting a new course for their ministry. The launch marks their return to active pastoral work, aiming to reconnect with their followers and continue their spiritual mission outside the RCCG framework.
The development has drawn attention across religious circles, with many closely watching the progress of the newly formed ministry.
