OTTA, Nigeria — Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, has responded to criticism following the retirement of two of the church’s senior pastors, Bishops Thomas Aremu and David Abioye, urging critics to refrain from questioning the church’s decisions.
The church leader addressed the issue during his sermon at a valedictory service held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, for Bishop Aremu at Winners Chapel, Orita Bashorun.
Oyedepo emphasised the importance of focusing on one’s own affairs and urged commentators to “study to be quiet and mind your business.”
The decision to retire the senior pastors, both of whom have served for three to four decades, aligns with the church’s recently revised operational guidelines, known as The Mandate.
Under the newly updated mandate, the retirement age for church leaders has been lowered from 60 to 55.
Clarifying the Church’s Policy
Oyedepo explained that the church’s administrative policies have been in place since 1998 and were first reviewed in 2001.
The most recent revision of The Mandate occurred in 2012, when new guidelines regarding retirement and leadership were introduced.
While Oyedepo retains the right to serve for life, future church leaders will be limited to one or two terms of seven years, subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.
The cleric reiterated that the church operates under a divine order and warned critics of the church’s policies against making baseless statements.
“Everything works here,” Oyedepo declared, emphasising the ministry’s success and divine guidance.
A Message to the Retiring Bishop
Speaking directly to Bishop Aremu, Oyedepo encouraged him to keep God at the center of his life, warning that taking a spiritual break is risky.
Citing Genesis 49:26, Oyedepo reminded Aremu that no one inherits from a teacher or pastor, advising him to remain connected to the church for continued spiritual growth and grace.
Aremu, who joined the ministry after a successful career as an accountant, is one of the church’s longest-serving bishops.
He was among the seven bishops consecrated at the Garden of Faith in Kaduna in November 1999 and is the last surviving member of that group.
In his address, Aremu stated that he had no plans to establish his own church following his retirement, affirming his continued loyalty to Winners Chapel.
“I don’t have a church, and I cannot have a church because God has not infused me with the capacity to do so. This is my church,” he said.
Upcoming Farewell for Bishop Abioye
While the farewell service for Bishop Aremu has been completed, Bishop David Abioye’s valedictory service is scheduled for Friday, October 18, 2024, at Winners Chapel, Durumi, Abuja.
Abioye, like Aremu, has served in the ministry for several decades and played a significant role in the growth and development of the church.
His retirement also falls under the new guidelines established in The Mandate.
Oyedepo’s remarks and the retirement of these senior figures mark a notable shift in Winners Chapel’s leadership structure as it seeks to maintain its foundational values while adapting to new operational guidelines.
