An elder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David Parish, Quincy Ayodele, has refuted allegations that the former Pastor-in-Charge, Idowu Iluyomade, rebelled against the church before starting his own ministry.
Speaking in an interview with on-air personality Daddy Freeze, which was posted on YouTube, Ayodele expressed her shock at the church’s decision to bar Iluyomade from the premises after serving his three-month suspension. She revealed that she had expected him to be reinstated either to his former parish or another within the RCCG.
RCCG’s Decision to Bar Iluyomade from City of David
According to Ayodele, a consultant for the World Health Organization and a natural medicine practitioner, she had accompanied Iluyomade to RCCG’s headquarters in Ebute Meta throughout his suspension period. However, she was dismayed when he received a letter instructing him not to step into City of David.
She said, “We were expecting that after the three months, he would be restored to City of David, but to our surprise, we heard that he was given a letter that he must not step into the City of David.”
Ayodele also highlighted the close relationship between Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Iluyomade, questioning why such a drastic action was taken against him.
Elders Attempted to Mediate, but No Response from Pastor Adeboye
Concerned elders within the church reportedly wrote letters to Pastor Adeboye, appealing for Iluyomade’s reinstatement. However, Ayodele disclosed that no response was received.
Following the church’s decision, Iluyomade and his wife began attending Kings Court, another RCCG parish he had pioneered years ago. Initially, they were welcomed but were later asked to leave.
Ayodele referenced biblical teachings, stating, “Pastor Adeboye taught us that if one sheep is missing out of 100, Jesus would go after the lost sheep. I was now asking, will he now allow Iluyomade to be lost to the world?”
RCCG Elder Refutes Claims That Late Herbert Wigwe Funded Trinity Towers
Addressing rumors that the late Access Bank CEO, Herbert Wigwe, was the primary financier of the Trinity Towers at City of David, Ayodele clarified that the project was funded through the collective contributions of church members.
“Pastor Herbert Wigwe did not single-handedly build Trinity Towers. It was a product of the collective efforts of all members of the City of David Parish, including him,” she stated.
Iluyomade’s Suspension and the Controversial Birthday Celebration
Ayodele also spoke on the controversy surrounding the 60th birthday celebration of Iluyomade’s wife, which took place shortly after Wigwe’s tragic passing in a helicopter crash on February 9, 2024. The event sparked public outrage and reportedly played a role in Iluyomade’s suspension.
She mentioned that she was out of the country at the time and only became aware of the backlash through UK-based blogs.
Appeals for Reconciliation Ignored
Ayodele disclosed that several prominent Nigerians intervened, pleading with Pastor Adeboye to reconsider his stance on Iluyomade. However, their efforts were unsuccessful.
“They went to beg him, and he said Iluyomade was paying a loan. But he has been paying loans without asking for money from you. So why don’t you leave him to finish paying the loan?” she asked.
She added that even after people rolled on the floor, begging Adeboye for Iluyomade’s reinstatement, no action was taken.
Iluyomade Did Not Plan to Start a Church
Contrary to speculation, Ayodele emphasized that Iluyomade had no initial intention of starting a church.
“He does not even know how to start a church. He was an Anglican before joining RCCG, and his father was a reverend. If he goes back to Anglicanism, where is he going to start from?” she questioned.
Ayodele expressed sadness over Pastor Adeboye’s comments during a recent visit to City of David, where he reportedly insinuated that those who left RCCG were “demons” and that “devils” built Trinity Towers.
“I started wondering if this was really my daddy speaking. What is going on?” she lamented.
Despite her close relationship with Iluyomade, Ayodele chose not to follow him to his new church, believing the issue could still be resolved. She expressed her willingness to appeal directly to Pastor Adeboye if given the opportunity.
The controversy surrounding Pastor Idowu Iluyomade’s suspension from RCCG City of David continues to generate discussions among church members and the public. While Ayodele remains hopeful for reconciliation, the church’s leadership has yet to respond to calls for reconsideration.
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