The suspended pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David Parish, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, has officially launched a new ministry in Lagos, named The Family Fellowship.
In a video that circulated widely on Monday morning, Iluyomade was seen celebrating with members during their inaugural service held at the Civic Centre on Victoria Island, Lagos.
The service, which took place on Sunday morning, featured lively dancing and jubilant celebrations.
Iluyomade took to Instagram to announce the new ministry, inviting the public to join the fellowship.
He wrote, “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.”
Iluyomade, formerly the senior pastor of City of David Parish, was suspended by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in 2024 after controversy surrounding his wife, Pastor Siju, who hosted an extravagant 60th birthday celebration shortly after the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe, a prominent church member and former CEO of Access Bank, along with his wife and son.
The timing of the celebration, which occurred just weeks after Wigwe’s passing in a helicopter crash in the United States, was heavily criticised, with many perceiving it as insensitive given the family’s recent loss. Wigwe had been a major supporter of the church prior to his untimely death.
In response to the backlash, the RCCG Governing Council set up a panel to investigate the situation. In June 2024, Iluyomade and his wife were suspended for three months and reassigned to worship at the church’s headquarters in Ebute Metta.
The suspension attracted additional attention when the Iluyomades were disinvited from the Wigwe family’s funeral. Now, the couple has moved forward by launching their own ministry, The Family Fellowship, to continue their spiritual journey.