Ex-RCCG Pastor Iluyomade Opens New Church in Lagos
Months after his resignation as the senior pastor of the City of David Parish of RCCG (Redeemed Christian Church of God), Pastor Idowu Iluyomade has officially launched his own church.
The new ministry, named “Family Fellowship”, is also based in Lagos. This marks a significant move for the cleric, who had served as the senior pastor of RCCG’s City of David Parish under Region 20, Lagos, before his departure.
Iluyomade’s departure from RCCG followed a series of events that led to his suspension and eventual resignation. The pastor was initially suspended by RCCG leadership after an elaborate 60th birthday celebration he organized for his wife, Dr. Siju Iluyomade, in the wake of the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe, a key member and financier of his parish. The lavish party stirred controversy, particularly in light of the timing, and led to public outcry.
In response to the backlash, Iluyomade was moved to a different parish, the Throne of Grace, Ebute Metta, after serving a three-month suspension. Following his suspension, he ultimately resigned from his pastoral role with RCCG, prompting rumors that he would start his own ministry, which have now come to fruition with the opening of Family Fellowship.
A video surfaced on Monday, showing Iluyomade and his new congregation joyfully dancing during a Sunday service at the new church, signaling the beginning of his new chapter in ministry.
Herbert Wigwe, co-founder of Access Bank, had tragically died in a helicopter crash in California in February 2024, alongside his wife, son, and a former president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The crash occurred as their chartered helicopter was en route to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl, a tragic event that shook both the Nigerian business community and the RCCG congregation.
