Suspended Senior Pastor of the Redeem Christian Church of God, Idowu Iluyomade has embarked on a new spiritual journey with the establishment of a church, ‘The Family Fellowship’, in Lagos.
The new ministry is a modest congregation, a contrast to the grandeur of the City of David Parish, which he and his wife, Siju, led for nearly 17 years until his reported suspension in June 2024.
Following the passing of Pastor Eskor Mfon, Iluyomade was appointed to oversee the City of David Parish and became the head of the Apapa Family, a significant division within the RCCG.
However, controversy surrounding an elaborate celebration of Siju’s 60th birthday on February 18, 2024, overshadowed their leadership.
The event took place shortly after the death of Access Bank’s CEO, Herbert Wigwe, a key figure in the church, igniting widespread criticism.
Subsequently, the Iluyomades were replaced by Pastor Charles Kpandei of Resurrection Parish Region 11, and leadership at the City of David Parish was later assumed by Pastor Kayode Pitan and his wife, Femi.
The Iluyomades maintained a low profile on social media for months, reemerging in August 2024 when Pastor Iluyomade paid tribute to his father.
This was followed by public appearances, including attending Nike Akande’s 80th birthday celebration in Lagos in November 2024.
The inaugural service of The Family Fellowship was celebrated with enthusiasm and lively social media engagement.
Pastor Iluyomade delivered a stirring sermon centered on themes of favour and mercy.
Drawing inspiration from Matthew 8:5-13, he recounted the story of the Roman centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant, emphasizing faith and God’s mercy.
“I have had challenges, but I also have testimonies because I understand the importance of the word of God,” Iluyomade shared during the service.
The pastor’s message resonated deeply, and the congregation joined him in spirited praise and worship, signaling the dawn of his new ministry.
A member of the church later shared how the decision to launch The Family Fellowship came together within just two days.
He remarked, “This church is where everybody who matters in this country will be. We’re talking of a church coming to Eko axis, and we will be the first active church. It’s one thing for you to build; it’s another thing for you to have a presence online. By God’s grace, we’ll be the first active church here, and it’ll come to pass in the next three months.”
The member also recalled encouraging Pastor Iluyomade to embrace his previous dynamic self.
“I told the pastor, ‘You need to go back to your old self; you don’t know who you are and the grace you carry.’ The pastor asked where the money was coming from. We will say one thing, and the pastor will say, ‘Are you sure?’ But God is bringing everything together,” he added.
Notably absent from the service was Siju Iluyomade. However, her influence remains evident, especially through the couple’s creative collaboration in music.
In November 2024, they released a worship single, No One Can Thank You Enough, across streaming platforms, which Pastor Iluyomade revealed came to him in a dream.
The launch of The Family Fellowship has stirred excitement across social media, with many expressing admiration for Iluyomade’s resilience in moving forward after the challenges of his past.
His reputation for impactful sermons and visionary leadership during his time at the City of David Parish has positioned him as a respected spiritual leader.
As The Family Fellowship takes root, Iluyomade’s focus on faith and family-centered worship is expected to attract a devoted following, heralding a fresh chapter in his ministry.
