After facing suspension from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in June 2024 due to a highly controversial incident involving his wife’s birthday celebration, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade has bounced back with a new ministry, The Family Fellowship. The ministry’s inaugural service took place at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, where attendees witnessed an atmosphere of excitement and celebration.
It was an event filled with joy, as congregants danced and sang in the lively spirit of worship. Pastor Iluyomade’s decision to launch this new ministry comes just months after his suspension, which was tied to his wife’s lavish 60th birthday celebration that followed the death of prominent church member, Herbert Wigwe. The timing of the event raised eyebrows and sparked heated discussions within the church community, leading to his suspension by RCCG.
Despite the controversy, Iluyomade has kept a firm resolve, stepping out with renewed energy and vision to offer a space for spiritual growth through his newly founded fellowship. The service at the Civic Centre was a stark reminder that Iluyomade’s influence remains strong, as hundreds gathered in anticipation of his leadership.
In an Instagram post ahead of the event, Iluyomade personally invited his followers to join the fellowship. “The Family Fellowship invites you specially. Join us tomorrow at the Civic Centre for a special time in the Lord’s presence. Promises to be a great experience,” he wrote, signaling to his audience that this new chapter was one of hope, healing, and spiritual restoration.
The event, which unfolded with jubilant dancing, could be seen as a direct contrast to the somber controversy surrounding his previous ministry. The RCCG had acted swiftly following the backlash, launching an investigation into the matter. The church’s Governing Council subsequently imposed a three-month suspension on Iluyomade and reassigned him to worship at the church’s headquarters in Redemption Camp.
But while RCCG may have taken a step back from his leadership, Iluyomade has made it clear that his spiritual mission is far from over. Speaking to the congregation at the Civic Centre, Iluyomade expressed his belief in the power of second chances and the importance of building strong Christian communities.
“While the storm may have shaken me, it hasn’t broken my faith. The Lord has blessed me with a new opportunity to lead, to touch lives, and to bring healing to families. The Family Fellowship is a fresh start, and I invite everyone to be part of this exciting journey,” Iluyomade said, radiating optimism as he addressed the crowd.
His new ministry, The Family Fellowship, promises to offer more than just traditional worship services. The fellowship aims to create a community centered on family values, where individuals are encouraged to grow spiritually while strengthening their familial bonds. It’s a ministry that invites people to reconnect with their faith and find solace in a world that often feels disconnected.
Many in the audience expressed their excitement about the new venture, hopeful that this ministry would provide a different kind of spiritual experience compared to what they had encountered before.
“I’ve known Pastor Idowu for years, and I’ve always admired his commitment to his calling,” said Grace Eze, a member of the congregation who attended the inaugural service. “The controversy with his wife’s birthday was unfortunate, but we can see that God has truly opened a new door for him. I’m excited to be part of this new chapter.”
Despite his suspension, Iluyomade’s legacy within RCCG’s City of David Parish remains strong. Under his leadership, the church experienced notable growth and became a significant spiritual hub within Lagos. His suspension came as a surprise to many, given his longstanding position as senior pastor and his influential role in the church’s operations.
However, with The Family Fellowship, Iluyomade is carving out a new space in the religious landscape of Lagos. The move is seen by many as an effort to connect more deeply with a broader audience, while focusing on the foundation of family in faith.
The RCCG has yet to issue a statement regarding Iluyomade’s new ministry, but sources close to the church have indicated that while the suspension remains, the church leadership does not appear to view The Family Fellowship as a threat to the organization. RCCG’s emphasis continues to be on unity and discipline within the church, with plans in place to further strengthen internal governance structures.
For Iluyomade, this new venture is more than just a ministry. It’s a chance to build something from the ground up, with a specific focus on nurturing families and communities. His dedication to these values is clear in his statements, where he has emphasized the importance of strong family foundations in a world rife with challenges.
“The family is the bedrock of society,” Iluyomade said during his inaugural service. “We can’t ignore the importance of nurturing the next generation. That’s why The Family Fellowship is here—to build strong, loving families who will go on to impact the world.”
With this new ministry, Iluyomade seeks to shift the conversation in the Nigerian church scene, prioritizing not only spiritual development but also addressing social issues affecting families in the country. His message is one of hope, restoration, and divine purpose.
