Pastor Charles Kpandei, who has taken over from former Pastor Idowu Iluyomade at the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s (RCCG) City of David parish in Lagos State, began his new role on Sunday.

RCCG City of David undergoing audit as Iluyomade’s replacement resumes

According to Church Times, Pastor Kpandei introduced himself to the congregation upon his arrival. He then delivered a sermon on the theme of heaven, encouraging members to greet one another warmly during the second service.

Kpandei asked, “Are you really happy to be in church today? For those of you who are just coming for the second service, it is important to tell you that I am called Pastor Charles Kpandei. You need that name because you are going to tell somebody that on behalf of Pastor Charles Kpandei, you are welcome to church today.”

Before delving into his main message, he prayed for divine favor upon the City of David, referencing Nehemiah 13:14.

Audit and Financial Issues

The City of David parish is currently undergoing an audit by a well-known audit firm amid allegations of a N320 million debt. This follows the suspension of Pastor Iluyomade on June 1, 2024, by the RCCG Governing Council, which instituted a panel to investigate the claims against him and the parish.

Iluyomade, commonly referred to as PID, received his suspension letter two weeks prior and was immediately replaced by Pastor Kpandei, previously of the church’s Resurrection Parish Region 11. After his suspension, Iluyomade was directed to report to the church’s headquarters.

As reported by Church Times, an anonymous church source confirmed that the ongoing audit is being conducted by KPMG, an external firm, rather than RCCG’s internal auditors. This decision was made because many provinces under the Apapa family, which includes the City of David, had not been audited by RCCG’s own financial and audit practice.

Background and Controversy

Iluyomade, who also serves as the Special Assistant to the RCCG General Overseer on Christian Social Responsibility, has faced scrutiny following the lavish celebration of his wife Siju’s 60th birthday, which came shortly after the passing of Herbert Wigwe, the CEO of Access Bank and a prominent church member.

PUNCH Online reported that Iluyomade’s suspension was tied to two primary issues: the financial audit of the church and his alleged resistance to being transferred from his position.

Financial Announcements

During the church service on June 9, a pastor announced that the church had spent approximately N15 million on the construction of the Trinity Tower between June 1 and 8. However, it was also revealed that the parish still owed N320 million, as displayed on the financial sheet shown to the congregation.

The RCCG City of David faces a period of transition and financial scrutiny as Pastor Kpandei begins his tenure, aiming to lead the church through these challenges with integrity and spiritual guidance.

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