Tragedy Strikes RCCG: Founder’s Last Son, Pastor Ifeoluwa Akindayomi, Dies Suddenly at 63
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Pastor Ifeoluwa Akindayomi, the last son of the church’s founder, Pa Josiah Akindayomi. He was 63 years old.
Egalitarian Voice gathered that Pastor Ifeoluwa passed away on Sunday, November 2, barely 24 hours after serving as chairman at a wedding ceremony. His death comes 45 years after that of his father and just seven months after the demise of his elder brother, Pastor Kolade Akindayomi, who died on May 4 this year.
A close family friend described his passing as “shocking and too sudden,” noting that no one expected such a tragedy so soon after the family’s previous bereavement.
Until his death, Pastor Ifeoluwa served as Assistant Provincial Pastor of Ogun Province 5 of the RCCG. Beyond his ministerial duties, he was also an entrepreneur who managed a thriving printing press business.
Family sources disclosed that he had been deeply concerned about his wife and children living abroad and had made several efforts to persuade his son to return home to help manage the family business. When it became clear they would not return, he reportedly decided to relocate to Canada to join them.
“I was told he had just secured a permanent stay in Canada and was preparing to travel before his sudden death,” an acquaintance revealed.
One of his longtime friends and fellow RCCG pastor, Debo Akinyemi, paid a heartfelt tribute, describing him as a humble and gentle man who never flaunted his status as the founder’s son.
“He lived a quiet life and was content with his business and service in God’s vineyard. Many people didn’t even know he was Pa Akindayomi’s son because he never sought attention,” Akinyemi said.
He added that Pastor Ifeoluwa’s warmth and loyalty stood out among his many virtues.
“His house was always open to people during the RCCG convention. He truly loved people and had great human relations. I am devastated by his death,” he added.
Recalling their school days at Molusi College, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, Akinyemi further described him as “a perfect gentleman who was humble, calm, and never boastful.”
“As a pastor, he genuinely loved God and avoided conflict. He could have risen to a high position in the church, but he chose to live quietly and serve faithfully. I will miss him dearly,” he concluded.
