RCCG suspends pastor whose wife threw lavish party after Wigwe’s death

The City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Lagos has suspended Pastor Idowu Iluyomade after he hosted an extravagant birthday party for his wife shortly after the death of Herbert Wigwe, the former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc.

According to ChurchTimes, a senior pastor of the church, who did not want to be named, said the decision to suspend Iluyomade was a response to public outcry against the party.

“It was not Pastor Adeboye who suspended him. The board decided to suspend him. I think it is a decision in the right direction. Although some say it comes too late.”

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

According to sources within the church, his suspension was announced by letter over the weekend.

He was succeeded by Pastor Charles Kpandei of RCCG Resurrection Parish in Region 11 of the church.

Wigwe, who died aboard a helicopter in February, was a member of the community.

The late banker died alongside his wife Chizoba, his son Chizi and former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), Abimbola Ogunbanjo.

After his death, the parish priest’s wife, Dr. Siju Iluyomade, threw a lavish birthday party that caused much discussion.

Notable personalities, together with the pastor’s wife, enjoyed the party which was held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Some people expressed displeasure at Iluyomade hosting such a party weeks after the tragic death of a prominent member of the church and his wife and son.

Chukwudi Iwuchukwu, a social commentator, had written: “After all this charity and goodness, righteousness and common sense dictate that it is offensive and not appropriate to throw a lavish party a week after the death of a man whose tithes and goodness supported your husband’s ministry while his body is still cold. I wonder what Wigwe would feel in the spirit world after seeing such a celebration last night at the Eko Hotel Lagos, just a week after his death. This is a lesson for the living.”

There were numerous such comments on social media, but some people dismissed them as mere distractions.

However, indications emerged that the Wigwe family disapproved of Ilumoyade’s wife’s actions when the City of David parish was not mentioned in Wigwe’s funeral programs.

Typically, the churches that the deceased attended during their lifetime play a key role in their funeral ceremonies.

However, the Wigwe family arranged for the funeral ceremony in the town of David to be held by another RCCG congregation in Lagos.

Wigwe was God’s General – Iluyomade

During one of the services organised for Wigwe, Ilumoyade paid glowing tributes to the deceased, whom he described as a General of God.

He recalled how Wigwe spent about 500 million Naira on the God Children talent project and how he adopted many children.

He said, “All night long, Pastor Siju and I talked to God. Wigwe was a man who had a heart for God. He served God. We asked questions. Who can we turn to if not Jesus? I am sure many people have questions. I want to encourage you: Jesus carries your burdens. He understands everything. Throw all your burdens on Him.

“Wigwe did a lot of good. He was an amazing servant of God. He had an eye for eternity. The only thing that follows us when we die is our good deeds. His life challenged us.

“I remember when we wanted to build a school in Makoko for needy students and we had to pay the teachers and feed the students daily. Wigwe came and said he wanted to work with us and together with his foundation – the Herbert Wigwe Foundation – and City of David, we were able to build the Makoko School, which still stands today.

“When we wanted to start the great talent project of God for children, he again partnered with us. While we spent about 300 million naira, he spent about 500 million naira to develop talents. He had a heart for the things of God.

“He loved children, he gave scholarships to children. He adopted many children and took care of them. For years he quietly paid the scholarship/salary of the City of David Classical Choir. That was incredible for years. Every month he paid them money. At the Christmas concert he donated money. He did a great job here. As he did here, he did it everywhere.

“He was a blessing to God and humanity. His life was beneficial to all. I express my condolences to the chairman of the building fund and his wife.”

“Wigwe was the chairman of the finance committee with Pastor Siju and I remember when we were about to start fundraising, he took us to Eko Atlantic, put up a marquee there, brought people from America to see it and at that event we raised about 600 million naira. You would have thought he would sit back but he just kept going. He told me we can do this.

“When this place was ground zero, he paid five years’ rent for a branch when there was nothing, just to help. Then later he said, I’ll give you two branches, one on the left, one on the right, and he paid five years (ten years) for each. Nobody would support a new start-up. When you’re done, you can leave. One of his goals was to help us.

“When we needed money from the bank and the contractors left the site, he gave us the money. Herbert supported us. His wife also supported him. He called his wife, brought 20 million naira, brought 10 million naira and she supported him. He also called his friends.

“When we met with him (Wigwe) about two weeks ago, we told him that we paid over a billion for Project 2.4 in December, they told us to pay another billion. We discussed back and forth and I said, OK, gather people, those who can repay immediately and those who can assure that they can repay in a year. I will give a billion interest free just to help us pay the bank. I am sure his works will speak for him.

“Hebert comes to my home or office and we pray. That’s why it’s so hard to understand the turn of events, but on the other hand, God is all-powerful. We thank God for Herbert’s life. God says: In all things, give thanks. We thank God for giving us Hebert and his wife. We pray to God to comfort his family. His life has challenged me.”