Suspended RCCG pastor opens new church

Suspended RCCG clergyman, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, has officially launched his new church, Family Fellowship, in Victoria Island, Lagos, despite ongoing controversy.

The former senior pastor of the City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) was suspended last year following backlash over his lavish celebration of his wife’s 60th birthday, which many deemed inappropriate in light of the tragic helicopter crash death of Wigwe in the United States.

On Sunday, January 19th, Pastor Iluyomade held the inaugural service at his newly established church.

Videos from the service, which have since gone viral, show the clergyman joyously dancing with members of his congregation as they worshipped together.

However, his wife, Siju Iluyomade, was absent from the video, raising further questions among observers.

Pastor Iluyomade’s suspension from RCCG, which included a three-month break and an investigation into allegations surrounding his conduct, came after widespread criticism of his actions.

Despite this, the pastor has pressed forward with the opening of his new church, which has stirred divided opinions on social media.

Many users reacted strongly to the news. Ayinke Ade stated, “This one has no remorse whatsoever,” while others voiced similar sentiments about the commercialization of the church.

One commenter, Ogboye Official, wrote, “Called by God, suspended by man. Una well done,” indicating a belief that Iluyomade’s suspension was unjust.

Meanwhile, some people criticized the growing trend of churches being seen as business ventures.

Jarvis Olamide expressed, “They can’t do nothing afterward because they know all they gotta do is brainwash people to drop money. They got their own lifestyle.”

Others, like Emelda Ifeme2, seemed more accepting, writing, “Business must continue,” while Precious Capable echoed the sentiment, stating, “Business must be made.”

This launch comes amid ongoing debates over the role of churches in society, with some questioning the legitimacy of Pastor Iluyomade’s new project.

Mz_joiz commented, “Have a personal relationship with the Lord, God,” while Oodguw Umuoji provocatively added, “Una still dey take this person seriously.”

Former Senior Pastor of the City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, opens his own church in Lagos, named “Family Fellowship” after being suspended by the leadership of the RCCG for throwing an elaborate 60th birthday celebration for… pic.twitter.com/iTULuzpYRI

— Oyindamola (@dammiedammie35) January 20, 2025