In The News

Iluyomade: Claims Of N320M Debts Surrounding Pastor’s Suspension

Pastor Charles Kpandei has assumed the post of new pastor of the City of David parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Lagos State, according to a report published in Vanguard News on June 10, 2024. Idowu Iluyomade, the previous pastor, has been replaced by him.

During his first Sunday service, Pastor Kpandei introduced himself to the congregation and encouraged members to warmly welcome one another. He delivered a sermon on the topic of heaven, asking the attendees if they were happy to be in church and urging them to welcome others on his behalf.

Before delving into the main message, he led a prayer for God’s blessings upon the City of David, referencing Nehemiah 13:14.

The report also states that an audit firm is currently examining the parish’s finances due to allegations of a debt amounting to N320 million. This scrutiny follows the suspension of Pastor Iluyomade on June 1, 2024.

During a church service on June 9, it was announced that approximately N15 million had been spent on the construction of the Trinity Tower between June 1 and 8. However, the congregation was informed that there was still an outstanding debt of N320 million, as displayed on the financial sheet.

A source within the church confirmed that Pastor Iluyomade had been transferred to another parish. This transfer was officially announced during the monthly thanksgiving service held across all RCCG parishes on Sunday, June 2, 2024. It was reported that Pastor Iluyomade expressed dissatisfaction as he had not yet reached the retirement age of 70.

Furthermore, it was revealed that Pastor Charles Kpandei, who was in charge of the RCCG Resurrection Parish of Region 11, was asked to replace Pastor Iluyomade at the City of David Parish. According to the source, both pastors were due for transfers after serving for eight years in their respective parishes. The source emphasized that these transfers were a normal occurrence within the RCCG and were not influenced by any specific event or politics. RCCG pastors often undergo transfers, which can even include assignments abroad.