There is confusion over the reported resignation of Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, a popular pastor with the Nigerian mega church, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
Pastor Iluyomade was the pastor of the City of David, a parish of RCCG in Region 20, Lagos, the nation’s commercial capital, until his removal and suspension for three months on June 1 in controversial circumstances.
He was asked to report at the church’s headquarters in Ebute Metta, also in Lagos.
The RCCG authorities also ordered an audit into the financial records of the City of David to ensure transparency and accountability in the church’s financial dealings.
It was learnt that KPMG, an external auditing firm, is undertaking that task.
The parish, which has the best RCCG building in the world called “Trinity Towers” is reportedly in debt to the of over N300 million.
On Sunday June 9, Charles Kpandei, was posted to replace Pastor Iluyomade, assumed duty.
Until his new posting, Kpandei the pastor-in-charge of RCCG Resurrection Parish of Region 11.
Following his suspension, there have been reports that Pastor Iluyomade, who is also the Special Assistant to the RCCG General Overseer, Enoch Adeboye, on Christian Social Responsibility, has resigned from the commission.
However, neither the church authorities nor the embattled pastor have come out to speak on the purported resignation.
A popular Christian newspaper, Church Times, quoting a source, reports that Pastor Iluyomade resigned but because of the exit procedure of pastors of his calibre, it’s difficult for him to make the resignation public.
The newspaper also said the special relationship Iluyomade enjoys with Pastor Adeboye is also making the resignation impossible.
Genesis
Although no reason was given for Iluyomade’s removal and suspension, there are suspicions that it was done following public outcry over the 60th birthday party organised by his wife, Siju, in January.
Siju, a lawyer and the founder of Arise Women Conference, a faith-based NGO for women empowerment and Handmaidens women in Leadership Series, threw the lavish party on February 18, a few days after one of the prominent members of the branch, Herbert Wigwe, died in a plane crash in the United States on February 9.
It was attended by some prominent Nigerians, including billionaire businessman, Tony Elumelu, and pastor-turned-traditional ruler, Gandhi Olaoye, the soun of Ogbomoso.
Wigwe, a popular banker and Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, died alongside his wife, Chizoba, son, Chizi, and others.
Also on the ill-fated plane was his friend and a former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group PLc (NGX), Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
They were travelling to Las Vegas to attend the super bowl when their plane came down near the California-Nevada border.
Many viewed the organisation of the lavish party held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, as insensitive and in bad taste.
Wigwe was said to have made enormous financial contributions to the church, which many regarded as a place of worship for the rich and upwardly mobile people in the society.
During a service in February, Iluyomade himself recalled how the deceased donated generously to the church.
He said Wigwe spent about N500 million for God children’s great talent project and adopted a lot of children.
He also said as the chairman of the church’s financial committee, Wigwe also contributed immensely to its fund raising. According to him, at the event held at Eko Atlantic, about N600 million was raised for a project.
Iluyomade, who described the deceased as God’s general, said when the church was “ground zero” he paid five years rent for a branch.
“When we needed to take finance from the bank, when the contractors left the site, he gave us the money. Hebert was supporting us. His wife was supporting him. He’ll call his wife, bring N20 million, bring N10 million and she’ll support. He’ll call his friends too,” the pastor added.
There are however reports the church held two special services in Wigwe’s honour.