Media entrepreneur Dele Momodu has described the pastor of City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Idowu Iluyomade and wife Siju Iluyomade as Nigeria’s most talked about preachers.
This followed the criticism that greeted Mrs Iluyomade’s elaborate 60th birthday on February 18, days after a prominent member of the church Herbert Wigwe died in a helicopter crash in the United States alongside his wife and first son.
Iluyomade gathered influential guests, including billionaires and monarchs, to rejoice with her at the party which took place at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos.
The clergywoman and her husband also got tongues wagging when a singer, Flavour N’abania, serenaded her with his hit songs, such as ‘Ada Ada’, ‘Berna’, ‘Big Baller’ and ‘Adamma’. Some netizens questioned the presence of a secular singer at a party hosted by a pastor.
However, on Tuesday, Mr Momodu shared several photos of the couple on Instagram, describing them as “Nigeria’s most talked about Pastors ID & Siju Iluyomade.”
Oba Olaoye, Okoya, Bisi Olatilo, Samuel Adedoyin attend Siju Iluyomade’s 60th birthday celebration
His posts have attracted further criticism from netizens.
Sesan Badmos with the handle @chessy.man wrote, “…Husband, wife and their child died and they went ahead to do elaborate Birthday party a week after. Common!! What kind of Christian family is City of David? No empathy no more in the house of God? These questions begs for answer.”
Wummy with the handle @omoabi1970 called for an end to the criticism.
“This woman has done so much for women and children. She is a great philanthropist and she has changed many lives. This world sha! You make one mistake and people turn against you. Please don’t be too quick to judge people. Show mercy,” Wummy wrote.
Iluyomade, meanwhile, has continued to celebrate her birthday on Instagram with pictures from the event.
