The Akinboro family, torn apart by a bitter battle over burial arrangements and the distribution of the patriarch’s estate, now finds itself more divided than ever. The pastor, who had initially pledged neutrality in the family’s dispute, shocking both the Akinboros and the public, went back on his word. Despite earlier vows to refrain from officiating until peace was restored, Irukwu controversially chose to preside over the burial ceremony, siding with two of the deceased’s children, Akinola Solomon Akinboro and Abiola Adejoke Obileye. This decision excluded key members of the family, fueling outrage among those left behind.
Irukwu's about-face has cast a dark shadow over his reputation and raised serious concerns about his impartiality and motives. Four of the late Chief Akinboro's children, who were vehemently opposed to the burial arrangements, have gone public with their grievances. Legal representatives have criticized the unilateral decisions made by Irukwu and the two siblings, accusing them of disregarding traditional Yoruba customs that emphasize collective decision-making.
Family sources allege that Irukwu’s relationship with Abiola Obileye—a deaconess at his Jesus House parish in London—played a crucial role in his involvement. Whispers of improper ties between the pastor and Obileye, including controversial actions surrounding her divorce from Tunde Obileye, have only added fuel to the fire. Critics are questioning whether Irukwu’s spiritual duties were compromised by personal ties, with some even accusing him of favoritism.
As the family struggles to come to terms with the betrayal, the late Chief Akinboro’s final wishes have been overshadowed. Known for his deep commitment to the Anglican Church, the chief had expressed a clear desire to be buried at the Egba West Anglican Church cemetery. But Pastor Irukwu ignored these wishes, choosing to conduct the burial elsewhere—a decision that many see as a blatant disrespect to both the deceased and the faith he held dear.
Legal representatives for the aggrieved siblings have expressed their dismay, with Kunle Adegoke, SAN, describing the actions surrounding the funeral as a “blatant usurpation of authority.” Adegoke condemned the exclusionary actions of Irukwu and the two siblings, decrying their refusal to engage in dialogue with the rest of the family and insisting that Yoruba cultural norms of consensus were disregarded for personal gain.
The legal battles surrounding the Akinboro family’s estate and burial arrangements continue, with multiple suits pending in the courts. A case before Justice O.O Majekodunmi (AB/781/2024) has been adjourned until February 2025, adding another layer of complexity to an already fraught situation.
This controversy is far from the first time that RCCG has been embroiled in scandal. The church has faced repeated criticism for the actions of some of its pastors, with accusations ranging from financial misconduct to unethical involvement in personal affairs. Pastor Irukwu’s role in the Akinboro conflict has reignited debates about the overreach of church leaders in private disputes and the growing concerns about unchecked power within religious institutions.
As the dust settles, the fallout from this scandal continues to affect the reputations of both Pastor Irukwu and RCCG. Calls for greater oversight and accountability from the church’s General Overseer, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, are intensifying. Critics argue that stronger checks are needed to ensure that church leaders stay true to their pastoral duties and remain impartial in matters of personal and family affairs.
For Pastor Irukwu, the road to redemption may be long and fraught with challenges. Many believe that he must first acknowledge the harm caused by his actions and work to restore the trust that has been irrevocably damaged. For the Akinboro family, the painful saga serves as a stark reminder of the destructive potential of unresolved family disputes, particularly when amplified by a pastor’s involvement.
As the legal battles drag on and tensions rise, the Akinboro family's legacy hangs in the balance. Will the family find peace, or has the damage been done beyond repair? For now, the saga remains a cautionary tale about the dangers of mixing faith with personal ambition.
