● The Pageantry Persists as Suspended Shepherd’s Wife Savors Title of Mummy G.O.
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes of controversy, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, once a towering figure at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) City of David Parish, has embarked on a bold new spiritual journey. In Lagos, amidst the echoes of his storied past, a fresh chapter unfolds—The Family Fellowship, a sanctuary for renewal and redemption.
On a Sunday morning awash with promise, the Civic Centre on Victoria Island throbbed with jubilation. Joyous dancing, heartfelt praise, and the fervor of rebirth marked the inaugural service of The Family Fellowship. At the helm stood Pastor Iluyomade, unbowed by the weight of his recent past, leading his congregation into what he described as a “new dawn of divine fellowship.” …CONTINUE READING
Pastor Iluyomade’s journey to this pivotal moment was anything but smooth. The glittering reign of the erstwhile senior pastor of the City of David Parish came to an abrupt end following an opulent celebration that clashed with a period of communal grief. The party in question was the lavish 60th birthday bash of his wife, Pastor Siju Iluyomade, held at the prestigious Eko Hotels & Suites.
The guest list read like a who’s who of Nigeria’s elite, with appearances from business magnates like Tony Elumelu and Nneka Onyeali Ikpe. Highlife sensation Flavour serenaded attendees. But beneath the shimmering surface of this grand affair lay an insensitivity that would prove costly. The celebration came just days after the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Herbert Wigwe—a key church benefactor—his wife, and their son.
The opulent revelry sparked outrage among parishioners and the wider community. Herbert Wigwe, a pillar of the church and a generous benefactor, had left an indelible mark on the City of David Parish. His untimely passing plunged the congregation into mourning. The timing and extravagance of the Iluyomades’ celebration were perceived as a flagrant disregard for the collective grief.
Despite a personal condolence visit from RCCG’s General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the damage was done. The Wigwe family distanced themselves from the Iluyomades, who found themselves increasingly isolated within their once-thriving ministry.
The fallout was swift. In June 2024, Pastor Iluyomade and his wife were suspended by the RCCG Governing Council. Their reassignment to the church’s Throne of Grace branch in Ebute Metta was seen as a demotion. Resistance to this reassignment culminated in Pastor Iluyomade’s resignation just two days later.
The church community watched in shock as a chapter that had once symbolized spiritual vibrancy and growth came to an unceremonious end. Allegations of financial irregularities totaling N320 million further muddied the waters, prompting an external audit of the City of David Parish.
But where some saw an ending, Pastor Iluyomade saw an opportunity for renewal. On Instagram, he extended an invitation to the public: “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.”
And so it was. The inaugural service of The Family Fellowship bore witness to a gathering of believers eager to chart a new spiritual course. With heartfelt sermons and impassioned worship, Iluyomade signaled his intent to move beyond the confines of past controversies.
The Family Fellowship, much like its founder, is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Positioned as a sanctuary for those seeking a renewed connection with God, it aims to provide a space where faith flourishes untainted by past shadows.
For Pastor Siju Iluyomade, now affectionately referred to as “Mummy GO,” this new ministry fulfills a long-cherished aspiration. Her role as a co-leader underscores the couple’s commitment to their spiritual calling, even outside the RCCG’s structured fold.
The saga of Pastor Iluyomade’s fall and rise underscores a critical lesson for spiritual leaders: the delicate balance between personal celebrations and communal responsibilities. Empathy, especially during times of collective grief, remains a cornerstone of effective ministry.
As the City of David Parish navigates its own path under new leadership, the lessons from this controversy will undoubtedly shape its future. Pastor Charles Kpandei, appointed in the wake of Iluyomade’s suspension, has already begun steering the parish towards renewed stability.
Meanwhile, Pastor Iluyomade’s journey continues. The Family Fellowship stands as a beacon of hope and renewal, proof that even in the face of adversity, faith can carve out a new path.
Pastor Idowu Iluyomade’s story is one of redemption and resilience. From the ashes of scandal, he has emerged with a renewed purpose, leading a ministry that promises to be a refuge for those seeking divine fellowship. As The Family Fellowship grows, it carries with it the indelible mark of a leader who, despite the trials of the past, remains steadfast in his spiritual mission.
