The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has suspended Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, Senior Pastor of the City of David parish, due to a rising controversy.

The suspension, which took place over the weekend, has sparked widespread discussion within the church community.

According to ChurchTimes, the decision was made by the church’s governing council, not by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of RCCG.

“It was not Pastor Adeboye who suspended him. The governing council decided to suspend him. I think it’s a decision in the right direction, though some believe it is coming late,” stated a senior pastor who wished to remain anonymous.

Iluyomade has been suspended for three months by the Governing Council, which has also set up a panel to investigate various allegations against him and the parish.

The suspension follows public outcry against Iluyomade and the church.

“They needed to investigate some of the things people were saying against him and the church,” the source added.

The suspension was communicated to Iluyomade via a letter.

In the interim, Pastor Charles Kpandei from RCCG Resurrection Parish of Region 11 has been appointed to replace Iluyomade.

The controversy around Iluyomade intensified after the death of Herbert Wigwe, a prominent parish member, who died in a helicopter crash in February along with his wife Chizoba, their son Chizi, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc.

Adding to the controversy, Dr. Siju Iluyomade, wife of Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, hosted a lavish birthday celebration at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, shortly after Wigwe’s death. The event featured popular singer Flavour N’abania, whose performance of several hit songs, including “Ada Ada,” “Berna,” and “Adamma,” drew criticism from some members of the public and church community.

Many expressed displeasure, questioning the appropriateness of such a grand celebration so soon after the tragic incident involving a key church member.