By BISHOP David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), has responded to critics following the retirement of two vice presidents, Bishops Thomas Aremu and David Abioye, who have served in the ministry for decades.
The retirement of the two bishops sparked a wave of criticism on social media, but Oyedepo, during a sermon at Bishop Aremu’s valedictory service at Winners Chapel, Orita Bashorun, urged detractors to focus on their own affairs.
Bishops Aremu and Abioye (left and right) ok
He explained that the retirement was in line with the church’s operational guidelines, known as The Mandate, which serves as its constitution.
Oyedepo disclosed that the church’s Administrative Policy, originally from 1998, was reviewed in 2001, with the latest revision of The Mandate coming in 2024. One of the updates includes lowering the retirement age for church leaders from 60 to 55.
While Oyedepo himself retains the right to serve for life, future leaders will be limited to one or two terms of seven years each, subject to the Board of Trustees’ approval.
Addressing critics, Oyedepo said, “My advice to commentators is to study to be quiet and mind your business. It is wisdom to learn what is working and find out what makes it work. Everything works here.”
He further encouraged Bishop Aremu to keep his focus on God and avoid being sidetracked by baseless criticism. He also cautioned that taking a spiritual break was risky and reminded him to stay connected for continued grace.
Aremu, who served as a bishop after transitioning from a successful career as an accountant, expressed no intention of leaving Winners Chapel to start his own church. “This is my church,” he said.
Bishop David Abioye’s farewell service is scheduled for Friday, October 18, 2024, at Winners Chapel in Durumi, Abuja.
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