Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the suspended pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David Parish, has launched a new ministry in Lagos called The Family Fellowship.

In a video that went viral on Monday morning, Iluyomade was seen celebrating with members during their inaugural service held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The service, which took place on Sunday morning, was marked by joyous dancing and jubilation.

Announcing the new ministry on Instagram, Iluyomade invited the public to attend the fellowship.

He wrote, “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.”

Iluyomade, formerly the senior pastor of City of David Parish, was suspended by RCCG in 2024 after his wife, Pastor Siju, hosted an elaborate 60th birthday celebration shortly after the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe, a prominent church member and former CEO of Access Bank, along with his wife and son.

Many criticised the timing of the celebration, which took place just weeks after Wigwe’s passing in a helicopter crash in the United States, viewing it as insensitive.

Wigwe had been a significant supporter of the church before his untimely death.

Following the backlash, the RCCG Governing Council convened a panel to investigate the matter.

In June 2024, Iluyomade and his wife were suspended for three months and reassigned to worship at the church’s headquarters in Ebute Metta.

The couple’s suspension drew further attention after they were disinvited from the Wigwe family’s funeral.

Now, the Iluyomades have established their own ministry to continue their spiritual mission.

The Catholic Diocese of Warri, Delta State has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from priestly duties following his alleged marriage sealed in the United States of America.

This was contained in a statement titled ‘Decree of Suspension’, dated Thursday, January 16, 2025, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Sunday.

The statement which was jointly signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo alleged that “Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA.”

It was further gathered that a footage of the marriage reportedly circulated widely on social media had prompted the church to act.

“By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 S1, and I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry,” the statement read in part.

The Diocese revealed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe had requested on November 30, 2024, to be released from all canonical obligations associated with Holy Orders.

However, the Diocese said it reached out to him, “asking for the required documents to begin the process, but the priest went on to marry without completing the procedure.

“As such, he is prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity. All canonical implications associated with this suspension take immediate effect (cf. Can. 1333),” the statement posited.

The Diocese further stated that Fr. Oghenerukevwe retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of the decree but must demonstrate a willingness to reform.

“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation,” the statement concluded.

Renowned Nigerian Christian filmmaker and founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Pastor Mike Bamiloye, has cautioned believers about a “fake rapture” plot allegedly devised by scientists to confuse and distract people from the actual event foretold in Christian prophecy.

Referencing a Facebook post with the caption, “The extraterrestrial invasion is imminent, it will take 10,000 people in 2025,” Bamiloye underscored that many signs worldwide point to the imminent return of Christ. However, he believes these signs are being exploited by the enemy to mislead and confuse believers.

In his post on Facebook on Friday, he wrote: “You don’t believe in the rapture? There are too many signs and signals around us. Even scientists and world powers believe that an imminent occurrence could lead to the disappearance of many people.

“They are working hard to provide an explanation ahead of time. They are also secretly developing scientific and technological inventions designed to make people vanish without a trace.

“They are attempting to create a FAKE RAPTURE to distract us from preparing for the actual rapture. They are perfecting this technology so that the enemy—the devil—can cause confusion.”

Bamiloye pointed to increasing reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), mysterious creatures, and unusual weather patterns as evidence of delusion spreading across the world, signalling the approach of the real rapture.

“We have entered the season of great delusion,” he wrote.

“All around us are news reports of UFOs and sightings of strange beings emerging from land, air, and oceans.

“We are witnessing creatures that appear half-human and half-sea creature, along with unbelievable images of beings surfacing from the depths of the seas,” he added.

The filmmaker also highlighted advancements in robotics, such as artificial wombs for babies and humanoid robots designed as substitutes for human spouses.

“Robots—human machines—are now blending with humans to perform jobs meant for people.

“Robotic antenatal clinics are secretly being developed, where babies could be grown in robotic wombs and sold to prospective buyers.

“Robotic female wives are being manufactured and offered to buyers as alternatives to human spouses. There are strange developments in the skies and the seas,” Bamiloye said.

He also pointed to dramatic environmental changes and new pandemics as part of the signs.

“Water is now flowing in the Arabian deserts. The Euphrates River, the largest in the world, is drying up, revealing incredible caves on its riverbeds. The Antarctic ice wall is melting, exposing strange images buried under the ice for thousands of years.

“There are numerous strange and terrifying signs, alongside deadly natural disasters and pandemics. A new virus spreading in China, which has also been detected in the UK, has been labelled the ‘Quademic.’”

Bamiloye urged Christians to prepare their hearts for the real rapture.

“Too many signs point to the imminent sound of the trumpet when we will meet the Lord in the clouds at the rapture,” he said.