Suspended RCCG Pastor Idowu Iluyomade Launches New Ministry, The Family Fellowship

Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the suspended senior pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) City of David Parish, has established a new ministry in Lagos called The Family Fellowship.

A video that surfaced on Monday showed Iluyomade leading the inaugural service on Sunday at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. The service was marked by energetic worship, with congregants dancing and celebrating.

Iluyomade took to Instagram to announce the launch, inviting the public to join. “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,” he wrote.

Iluyomade’s suspension from RCCG in 2024 followed a controversy involving his wife, Pastor Siju. She hosted a lavish 60th birthday party shortly after the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Herbert Wigwe, former Access Bank CEO and a key church supporter, along with his wife and son. The timing of the celebration, just weeks after the tragedy, drew widespread criticism.

In response to the backlash, the RCCG Governing Council set up a panel to address the issue. By June 2024, Iluyomade and his wife were suspended for three months and reassigned to worship at the church’s headquarters in Ebute Metta. Their absence at the Wigwe family’s funeral further fueled public scrutiny.