Tongues Wag over Siju Iluyomade’s Lavish 60th Birthday Bash

Pastor (Mrs.) Siju Iluyomade, wife of Pastor Idowu Iluyomade of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David Parish in Victoria Island, is well-known as a great fashionista with a penchant for expensive jewellery. Despite her love for fashion, Iluyomade has proven over time that her life goes beyond fashion. As the  convener of Arise Women, she has impacted society with her benevolence to the vulnerable.

The stylish woman was the cynosure of all eyes last Sunday, 18th February 2024, when a Special Service was held in her honour at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Oniru, Lagos. A Special Diamond Ball Reception was also held at Eko Hotel and Suites.

 As gathered by Society Watch, the event was a gathering of who-is-who in the nation’s high society. Prominent Nigerians that graced the event include the banking wizard and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, First Ladies of Lagos and Ogun Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun.

Others are Toke Makinwa, Chief Rasaq Okoya and wife Shade, veteran broadcaster Chief Bisi Olatilo, Chief Samuel Adedoyin and wife, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Bisi Fayemi, Chief Nike Akande, Abiola Dosunmu, Iyalode of Lagos, Chief Bintu Tinubu, Former Deputy Governor of Lagos, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Sarah Sosan among others.

 But, a few hours after the pictures and video of the lavish event hit social media, her critics pummelled her with accusations of insensitivity. Many expressed their shock to see prominent members of the RCCG, including family members, church elders, and friends of the late Chief Executive Officer of Access  Holdings, Herbert Wigwe trooping out to the dance floor in celebration of Iluyomade’s 60th birthday.

Being the church where Wigwe worshipped before his death, he was not only a worshipper, but a prominent member who donated millions of naira to the church during his lifetime.

 So, not a few people expected the church to mourn him, for at least, a considerable period. But the RCCG authorities clearly had a different opinion, thus they rallied around the ‘birthday girl’ as she threw a colourful party, more or less a carnival, to celebrate her diamond anniversary.

Her loyalists and fans also quickly came to her defence claiming that the party was shifted thrice for some reason so it wouldn’t be nice if she moved it again for whatever reason.

This defence, nevertheless did not go down well with the family of the late banker as they have allegedly written a letter to RCCG, City of David, warning them to stay clear from the funeral of their son.  The family frowned at the path toed by the pastor, his wife, and the church considering the amount of huge support, both morally and financially Wigwe contributed to the church in his lifetime.