City of David RCCG: Iluyomade Transferred, Not Suspended — Sources

Reports circulating on social media suggested that the Senior Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David Parish, Region 20, Idowu Iluyomade, was suspended. However, sources confirmed that he was only transferred to another parish.

Contrary to claims of a three-month suspension, Iluyomade has been reassigned to the Throne of Grace parish in Ebute Metta, Lagos, which serves as the headquarters of the mission. The transfer was officially announced during the monthly thanksgiving service on Sunday, June 2, 2024, across all RCCG parishes.

In his new role, Iluyomade will serve as the Pastor-in-Charge of elders at RCCG Region 1, Ebute Metta. Iluyomade, who is yet to reach the retirement age of 70, reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the transfer.

Additionally, Pastor Charles Kpandei, formerly in charge of RCCG Resurrection Parish of Region 11, will replace Iluyomade at the City of David Parish. Both pastors had served their respective parishes for eight years and were due for transfers, a routine practice within the RCCG.

A source within the church noted, “It is normal to have a change in leadership. Most RCCG pastors go on transfer. The church transfers pastors around, and both Pastors Iluyomade and Kpandei were due for transfers. It has nothing to do with any event or politics.”

Efforts to reach Pastor Iluyomade for comments were unsuccessful.

This transfer follows recent controversies at the City of David Parish, particularly after the 60th birthday celebration of Pastor Iluyomade’s wife, Siju, shortly after the tragic death of parish financier Herbert Wigwe and his family in a helicopter crash. The event reportedly displeased RCCG General Overseer Enoch Adeboye.