Wigwe’s City of David parish missing as family releases burial plan

The City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Lagos will not play any official role in the funeral service of the late Herbert Wigwe, former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc.

Wigwe, who died on board a chopper in US some weeks ago, was a member of the Parish.

The late banker died alongside his wife, Chizoba; son, Chizi and a former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, (NGX Group), Abimbola Ogunbanjo.

After his death, wife of the Parish Pastor, Dr Siju Iluyomade, held a lavish birthday that left tongues wagging.

Distinguished personalities rejoiced with the pastor’s wife at the party, which took place at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos.

Some persons expressed displeasure that Iluyomade held such party weeks after the tragic deaths of a prominent member of the church.

On Instagram, @lollystyleme wrote, “RIP Herbert Wigwe! Live your life to the fullest while you’re here. People only care when you’re still around.”

@elegant_theli wrote, “This is the pastor’s wife of late Wigwe’s church o. Omo.”

Adenikeleg wrote, “What a total mess…so, even if the dead was your sister and her husband, plus your nephew, will this parry still go on? Those were members of your church for Christ’s sake. You are supposed to be their spiritual mother. Very insensitive and callous…even those in the world will not do this… look at Tony (Elumelu) too. Your colleague and his family perished less than a month and you are here dancing at a tasteless callous party with another woman of the world hiding in the church. May God have mercy on all of us.”

Chukwudi Iwuchukwu wrote: “After all this charity and benovelence, the right thing and common sense dictate that it is offensive and not appropriate to throw a lavish party a week after the death of such a man whose tithe and benovelence sustained your husband’s ministry when his body is still cold. I wonder what Wigwe would be feeling in the spirit world after seeing such a carnival go on last night at the Eko Hotel Lagos, just a week after his death. This is a lesson for the living.”

Some persons had referred to the social media comments as mere distraction but in the programme of events released by the family, the parish was omitted as against the usual tradition of places where deceased persons fellowshipped in their lifetime playing roles in their funeral ceremonies.

According to the programme, funeral for the Wigwes will commence with a tribute to Herbert Wigwe’s professional legacy at the Eko Hotel in Lagos on March 4.

Separate ceremonies to honor Chizi and Chizoba are scheduled for March 5 at the Eko Hotel in Lagos, followed by a night of tributes on March 6 at the same venue.

On March 7, a combined service of songs will take place at the RCCG, Resurrection Parish, Lekki, followed by a Christian wake-keeping at Wigwe University, Isiokpo, Ikwerre LGA, Rivers.

On March 9, the funeral and private interment service for the family will be held.

The final service will be an outing ceremony at the Redeemed Christian Church Of God (RCCG), Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo, Ikwerre LGA, Rivers, on March 10.