Businesswoman Siju Iluyomade has described her 60th birthday celebration as ‘unforgettable’ amid backlash from some members of the public over the timing.
Iluyomade and her husband Idowu, senior pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) City of David, threw a party over the weekend just days after one of the church’s biggest financiers Herbert Wigwe died.
Mr Wigwe, his wife Chizoba and first son Chizi, and former group chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Abimbola Ogunbanjo died in a helicopter crash in the United States on February 9.
Many have criticised Iluyomade for pulling off a flamboyant event just days after Wigwe’s death, accusing her and her husband of lacking empathy.
Unperturbed by the criticism, Iluyomade thanked all who made the event unforgettable in an Instagram post on Tuesday.
Oba Olaoye, Okoya, Bisi Olatilo, Samuel Adedoyin attend Siju Iluyomade’s 60th birthday celebration
“Unforgettable 60: Grateful for a spectacular Diamond Jubilee celebration! Thank you to everyone who made it unforgettable. Here’s to cherished memories, lasting moments, and many more milestones ahead. Diamonds are Forever!” She wrote.
Iluyomade, founder of Arise Women, had a two-part event for her diamond jubilee celebration. First, she had guests gathered at the church for a thanksgiving service before the reception was held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos.
In a speech at the thanksgiving service, Iluyomade said that when she heard about Wigwe’s death, she screamed.
“He was faithful and dedicated but God chose to call Herbert home, not only him but his wife and son. On the day I heard it, I screamed. I thought it happened in Nigeria,” she said.
The businesswoman also had her guests stand to offer one minute of silence in honour of the deceased.
