Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the charismatic former senior pastor of the City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), on Sunday January 19 finally launched his own church named ‘The Family Fellowship’.
In a message on Saturday January 18, Pastor Iluyomade had sent out a public invitation to announce the inaugural service of his Church.
“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. 9:00am Civic Centre, Plot GA 1, Ozumba Mbadiwe street, Victoria Island.
Tag someone that shouldn’t miss this!” the invitation stated.
Later on Sunday, a video of the service surfaced online with Pastor Iluyomade was seen with his beloved wife, Dr. Siju Iluyomade and some congregation danced and celebrated during the thanksgiving service held at the prestigious Civic Centre.
During the inaugural service, Iluyomade urged the congregation to rededicate their lives to God and commemorate their spiritual rebirth as a “second birthday.”
Known for his lively and celebratory style, the event featured singing and dancing, drawing friends, families, and loyalists from their time at RCCG.
Iluyomade —who tendered his resignation from the church after he was suspended by the RCCG highest body following his wife, Siju’s lavish 60th birthday party few weeks after a prominent member of the RCCG City of David Parish and key financier, Herbert Wigwe, his wife Chizoba and son Chizi and several others died in a helicopter crash in California, United States on February 9— faced significant challenges after his recent resignation.
Public response to Iluyomade’s situation were divided as some church members voiced strong support for their erstwhile Senior Pastor, criticising the RCCG for what they see as a pattern of sidelining influential Pastors. Others, however, criticised the couple for their perceived extravagant lifestyle, suggesting it may have played a role in their current predicament.
Amidst this turmoil, rumours started circulating that the Iluyomade might establish their own church as such a move could allow them to continue their ministry without the constraints and politics of RCCG, providing a fresh start and a platform to further his vision.
Since the beginning of the New Year 2025, Iluyomade has been sharing a cryptic messages on his social media handles titled: “Welcome to 2025: 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐘𝐎𝐔!…The Year of the Lord’s Presence. Walk confidently, for He promises, ‘I will lead you’…”
On Sunday after he unveiled his ‘Family Fellowship’, Iluyomade released another of the Cryptic message: “In the darkest seasons of life, hold on to your vision and look up to God, the one who gives strength and clarity. Like Abraham, who saw the stars and believed in a glorious tomorrow, trust in God’s promises and focus on the destiny ahead. Don’t let challenges, delays, or barriers blur your vision—locate your stars, run with purpose, and fulfill your destiny. 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭. God bless you!”
However, the success of their inaugural service has triggered a flood of congratulatory messages from family and friends alongside keen followers, some who have promised to attend subsequent services.
