The suspended Redeemed Christian Church of God(RCCG) pastor, Idowu Iluyomade, has officially launched his own church, Family Fellowship, in Victoria Island, Lagos, despite ongoing controversy.
Pastor Iluyomade was suspended last year by the leadership of the RCCG for throwing an elaborate 60th birthday party for his wife, Dr. Siju Iluyomade, shortly after the death of Herbert Wigwe, a member and financier of his parish.
Wigwe, co-founder of Access Bank, was among six people killed in a helicopter crash in California, the United States in February 2024.
He died alongside his wife, son, and a former president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange in the crash.
Thefrontrank reports that on Sunday, January 19, Pastor Iluyomade held the inaugural service at his newly established church.
Videos from the service, which have since gone viral, show the clergyman joyously dancing with members of his congregation as they worshipped together.
However, his wife, Siju Iluyomade, was absent from the video.
Pastor Iluyomade’s suspension from RCCG, which included a three-month break and an investigation into allegations surrounding his conduct, came after widespread criticism of his actions.
Despite this, the pastor has pressed forward with the opening of his new church, which has stirred divided opinions on social media.
Many users reacted strongly to the news. Ayinke Ade stated, “This one has no remorse whatsoever,” while others voiced similar sentiments about the commercialization of the church.
Similarly, some people criticized the growing trend of churches being seen as business ventures.
