Pastor Ifeoluwa Akindayomi, the last child of the founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pa Josiah Akindayomi, has died at the age of 63.
He passed away on Sunday, November 2, according to a report by Church Times Nigeria. His death came about 45 years after his father’s passing and seven months after that of his elder brother, Pastor Kolade Akindayomi, who died on May 4 at 75.
A close family friend described his death as shocking and unexpected, noting that he was in good health the day before.
“Nobody would have thought he would die barely 24 hours after he was chairman of a wedding ceremony,” the source said.
“He was very okay and had no sign of any illness. For him to have served as chairman of a wedding a day before he died was clear indication that he was okay to many of us. But the unexpected did happen.”
On how he died, the source explained that the pastor had gone for a prayer walk on Sunday morning and returned to his residence at the RCCG Camp. He was preparing for the Sunday service when he missed his step, fell headlong, and hit his head on a sharp object.
“He sustained injury from the fall and passed out. Before he could be helped to the hospital the worst had happened,” the source added.
Until his death, Pastor Ifeoluwa was the assistant provincial pastor of Ogun Province 5 of the RCCG. He also ran a successful printing business.
According to family sources, his wife and children, who live in Canada, had urged him to relocate abroad, but he chose to remain in Nigeria because of his business and ministry.
“When it was clear his children and wife were not interested in coming back home, he decided lately to relocate to join them,” the source said. “I was told he just secured a permanent stay in Canada and was preparing to go and meet his family before his eventual death.”
One of his childhood friends and fellow pastor, Debo Akinyemi, described him as a humble and gentle man who lived a quiet life.
“He was not given to show and lived a very quiet life. Many people never knew him as the son of the founder,” Akinyemi said. “He was not the type that would want any attention for himself. He was just content with his business and the bit he could do in God’s vineyard.”
He added that Pastor Ifeoluwa Akindayomi was kind-hearted and deeply loved by those who knew him.
“He had good human relations and was doing quite well. The last time I saw him was during the RCCG convention. His house was home to many people who came for the convention. I am really devastated to hear of his death,” Akinyemi said.
Recalling their time together at Molusi College, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, Akinyemi described him as “a perfect gentleman” who spoke with care and treated everyone with respect.
“He did not go about bragging. As a pastor, he truly loved God. He would not fight for anything. One would have thought he would have risen to a very high position in the church, but I guess he decided to keep low and not agitate for anything. I am personally going to miss him,” he said.
