In a move that has ignited widespread debate, former Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) clergyman Pastor Idowu Iluyomade has officially unveiled his independent ministry, Family Fellowship, in Victoria Island, Lagos. The launch comes months after his suspension and eventual resignation from the City of David Parish, one of RCCG’s flagship churches, following a series of events that divided opinions within the Christian community.
Pastor Iluyomade’s departure from RCCG stems from his refusal to comply with a three-month suspension and a subsequent transfer to another parish in Ebute Meta. His suspension in June 2024 came after backlash over an extravagant birthday celebration for his wife, which coincided with national mourning over the death of Herbert Wigwe, the former CEO of Access Bank. This sparked a meeting of the RCCG Governing Council, which reportedly raised concerns about Iluyomade’s resistance to directives and church financial audits.
Iluyomade’s decision to establish Family Fellowship has sparked significant reactions on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Critics of his move have questioned his motives, suggesting that the financial independence of leading his own church may have played a role. A user, @Mazimum, remarked, “No more remittance. He’s now the boss of his own. No General Overseer will ask for church accounts to be audited. He’ll tell you he had a revelation to set up his own ministry. He has served, now it’s time for him to be served too. Church business is sweet, sha.”
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Others pointed to the importance of humility and submission in church service, emphasizing that positions in ministry should not exempt one from correction. @John20 wrote, “As a worker in a church without regard to the position you are holding, you should be ready to be corrected when you are wrong. If you are suspended for an action, with joy and humility, serve the punishment. Your service is to God and not to man. Stay humble.”
On the other hand, many supported Iluyomade’s decision, seeing it as a move toward autonomy and leadership. Supporters argued that senior pastors often face limitations under larger church structures. @kiwi4Media observed, “Makes sense. No reason a big pastor should be under another man, splitting your earnings with him & his kids to inherit leadership while yours have to hustle. The Bible is nonproprietary. With a name for yourself, gather your own sheep, appoint shepherds, be the master.”
Family Fellowship, which debuted with significant fanfare, is set to focus on creating a welcoming and family-oriented worship experience, according to insiders close to Iluyomade. While the church’s mission and structure are still unfolding, its launch signifies a bold new chapter for the former RCCG clergyman, who had served in the denomination for decades.
The controversy surrounding Iluyomade’s resignation and the subsequent establishment of Family Fellowship highlights ongoing discussions about authority, accountability, and autonomy in Nigerian megachurches. As the debates rage on, The Trumpet will be here to give you the latest updates, just as Family Fellowship is poised to attract congregants seeking a fresh perspective on worship and leadership, while critics continue to question the circumstances of its founder’s departure from one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal denominations.
Iluyomade, who has yet to make an official public statement addressing the controversies, appears focused on building his ministry and delivering his vision of faith and family-oriented worship to his growing congregation. Whether Family Fellowship becomes a significant force in Nigeria’s religious landscape remains to be seen, but its establishment has undoubtedly ignited conversations about power dynamics, financial independence, and leadership within the Nigerian church ecosystem.
