The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) family has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Pastor Ifeoluwa Akindayomi, the last born of the church’s founder, Pa Josiah Akindayomi. He died on Sunday, November 2, at the age of 62.
The death of Pastor Ifeoluwa came just seven months after the passing of his elder brother, Pastor Kolade Akindayomi, who died on May 4, 2024, and about 45 years after their father’s death.
Family members, close associates, and members of the RCCG community have described his death as shocking and painful, especially because there were no signs of illness or weakness before his passing.
A close family friend who spoke to Church Times described Pastor Ifeoluwa’s death as unexpected, saying he was in good health and had even served as chairman at a wedding ceremony just a day before his death.
“Nobody would have thought he would die barely 24 hours after being chairman of a wedding ceremony,” the source said. “He was very okay and had no sign of illness. He even looked cheerful and active throughout the event.”
The source explained that on the morning of his death, Pastor Ifeoluwa had gone for his usual prayer walk within the RCCG Redemption Camp, Ogun State. On returning home, he reportedly prepared to get ready for Sunday service.
“He was about to get dressed when he suddenly missed his step and fell headlong, hitting his head on a sharp object in the house,” the source continued. “He sustained a serious head injury and passed out. Before help could reach him or he could be taken to the hospital, it was too late.”
Until his death, Pastor Ifeoluwa Akindayomi served as an Assistant Provincial Pastor in Ogun Province 5 of the RCCG. He was also a successful businessman who owned and managed a thriving printing press, which served both the church and several private clients.
Those who knew him described him as a quiet, humble, and hardworking man who was deeply committed to his faith, his work, and his late father’s legacy.
“Pastor Ifeoluwa was very passionate about the ministry and his business,” said another RCCG member familiar with his work. “Even though most of his family had relocated abroad, he chose to stay in Nigeria to continue building the printing business and supporting the church.”
According to family sources, Pastor Ifeoluwa’s wife and children had moved to Canada some years ago. Despite their repeated pleas for him to join them, he chose to remain in Nigeria because of his responsibilities and love for the ministry.
“The family wanted him to come over to Canada to live with them,” the source said. “But he kept saying he could not leave his business and ministry work behind. He was also hoping his son would come back home soon to help him manage the family business.”
Those close to him revealed that he sometimes felt lonely being away from his family but always found strength in prayer and his pastoral duties. “He often talked about how much he missed his family,” one friend said, “but he believed God had called him to continue serving in Nigeria.”
Pastor Ifeoluwa was the last surviving son of Pa Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, the revered founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), one of the largest and fastest-growing Pentecostal churches in the world.
Pa Akindayomi founded the church in 1952 in Lagos, under divine inspiration. The church started as a small fellowship known as Egbe Ogo Oluwa (The Glory of God Fellowship) before it became RCCG.
Following the founder’s passing in 1980, leadership of the church was handed over to Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, who has since led RCCG to international prominence with millions of members across over 190 nations.
The Akindayomi family has remained closely tied to the church’s history and growth. Many members of the family, including the late Ifeoluwa, have held leadership roles in various RCCG provinces and departments.
Since the news of his death broke, tributes have poured in from church members, pastors, and friends both within and outside Nigeria. Many have described him as a humble servant of God who lived quietly but made a strong impact through his faith and generosity.
One of his colleagues in Ogun Province described him as “a pastor who never sought attention but always supported others.”
“He was not loud, but he was dependable,” the colleague said. “He showed love to everyone and was always willing to help.”
Social media platforms linked to RCCG branches have also been flooded with condolence messages celebrating his life of service. Many members referred to him as “Papa’s last seed,” a reference to his father’s enduring spiritual influence on the church.
Members of the Akindayomi family are said to be in deep shock over the incident, as it came unexpectedly and within a short time after losing another family member.
“This is a heavy blow for the family,” another source said. “Losing two brothers within a year is a painful experience. But the family is taking comfort in the belief that Pastor Ifeoluwa is now resting with his father and brother in the Lord.”
As of press time, funeral arrangements had not been officially announced, but sources within the RCCG said a memorial service is being planned at the Redemption Camp to celebrate his life and contribution to the church.
Pastor Ifeoluwa Akindayomi’s death has once again reminded many in the RCCG family of the brevity of life and the importance of service.
He lived a quiet but impactful life — balancing ministry, business, and family, even across continents. His dedication to his father’s legacy and his decision to remain in Nigeria despite personal sacrifice stand as a testament to his faith and devotion.
