New pastor replaces Iluyomade at RCCG City of David

Pastor Kayode Pitan has been appointed as the new pastor of the City of David Parish, Lagos of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

He will succeed Pastor Charles Kpandei, who has been serving as the interim pastor since the suspension of Pastor Idowu Iluyomade.

Church Times Nigeria reported on Sunday that Pitan’s appointment followed the suspension of Iluyomade due to certain allegations.

While some media outlets initially reported that Pitan had already taken over, it was Kpandei who has been leading the parish since June, following Iluyomade’s suspension.

The agency stated that a top source in the RCCG informed Church Times that Pitan has now been formally designated as the incumbent pastor of the City of David.

The decision was said to have taken by the governing council of the church during the just-concluded convention of the church.

Prior to his new role, Pitan was the Pastor in Charge of the Tabernacle of David in Region 51 and also served as the Regional Pastor.

Pastor Kayode Pitan

His extensive corporate experience is expected to contribute significantly to the effective management of the Trinity Tower project and the overall leadership of the City of David parish.

With his appointment, Pitan now oversees Region 20, with the City of David serving as its headquarters.

Pastor Ben Akabueze will step in as the Assistant Pastor in Charge of Region 20.

Kpandei, who was temporarily assigned to RCCG City of David, has returned to his previous role as Pastor in Charge of Region 11 in Lekki.

Church Times reports that Pitan’s appointment marks the end of Iluyomade’s tenure at the City of David parish.

Pitan completed his graduate studies in the US and returned to Nigeria 37 years ago, making significant strides in banking and finance.

According to Church Times, he worked at Citi Bank before resigning to establish his own finance house, which collapsed in 1993, resulting in a $3 million loss. This setback led him to deepen his Christian faith.

He served as the Managing Director and CEO of the Bank of Industry (BoI) from July 2015, focusing on industrialisation and SME support.

Known for his strategic impact, he led the bank for five years and began a second term in 2022. He resigned in 2023 amid a government reshuffle under President Bola Tinubu.