Shiloh, the annual convocation of the Winners family, Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel), has long been a gathering of faith, inspiration, and spiritual rejuvenation for millions of believers globally. However, Shiloh 2024 took an unexpected turn when Bishops David Abioye and Thomas Aremu, revered figures in the ministry, were notably absent.
Bishop Abioye’s absence has sparked intense debate among worshippers, with many questioning the circumstances behind this surprising development.
A former Kogi State Senator and public commentator, Dino Melaye, criticized the situation on social media. He questioned why Bishop Abioye, a younger senior pastor, was retired while Bishop David Oyedepo, who is older, continues to serve.
“I did not attend Shiloh 2024. Because Shiloh without Bishop Abioye is somehow. I can’t understand why Bishop Oyedepo, who is older, is not retired, but Bishop Abioye, who is younger, was forcefully retired,” Melaye tweeted. He further alleged that the decision was man-made rather than divinely inspired.
“God did not retire Abioye; only Oyedepo did. Let’s watch,” he added in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.
The Mandate and Leadership Revisions
After decades of dedicated service under Bishop Oyedepo, Bishops David Abioye and Thomas Aremu have retired following the church’s revision of its operational manual, The Mandate. The policy now sets the retirement age at 55, signaling a new era of leadership for the globally renowned ministry.
Bishop Abioye, Oyedepo’s deputy for over 40 years, and Bishop Aremu, who served for over 30 years, will both step down this month. At 63 and 67 years old, respectively, the new policy exempts the founder, Bishop Oyedepo, who retains the right to serve indefinitely.
“This update reflects the church’s commitment to structured leadership transitions,” a church official commented, adding that the revised policy ensures growth under fresh leadership.
The revised structure allows future leaders to serve for one or two seven-year terms, subject to approval from the Board of Trustees.
Farewell services were held for the retiring bishops: Bishop Aremu’s ceremony took place at LFC Basorun in Ibadan, Oyo State, on October 15, while Bishop Abioye’s farewell was conducted at the Living Faith Church in Durumi, Abuja, on October 18.
Read also: After COP29, Civil society groups insist on $8tr climate reparation for Global South
Oyedepo Defends Leadership Changes
Speaking at the valedictory service for Bishop Aremu, Bishop Oyedepo emphasized that the church operates by divine order. He revealed that the church’s Administrative Policy, last updated in 1998, was reviewed in 2001, while The Mandate of 2012 underwent revisions in 2024, adjusting the retirement age from 60 to 55.
Oyedepo highlighted that his decision to retain his leadership role is consistent with divine guidance and warned critics against wishing for the ministry’s downfall.
“My advice to commentators is to study to be quiet and mind their business. It is wisdom to learn what is working and find out what makes it work. Everything works here,” he said.
He also praised Bishop Aremu, encouraging him to remain focused on spiritual growth and not to be swayed by baseless criticism.
Abioye and Oyedepo: A Bonded Journey
The relationship between Bishops Oyedepo and Abioye began in the early 1980s during a Christian Students’ Fellowship. Their bond grew from mentorship to a father-son relationship, with Abioye serving tirelessly in various leadership roles within the church.
Abioye was among the seven pioneers of the Living Faith Church, consecrated as a bishop in 1993. His contributions to the church’s growth and his loyalty to Oyedepo have been widely acknowledged.
At Shiloh 2023, Oyedepo extolled Abioye’s followership, stating, “If this man leaves Living Faith for one second, the devil will celebrate in hell.”
Internal Politics and Controversies
Despite the success and growth of Winners Chapel, internal politics and power dynamics have occasionally surfaced. According to Pastor Unegbu Victor-Wallace, a former resident pastor in the church, the ministry has long been divided between “Papa’s boys,” loyal to Oyedepo, and “Abioye’s boys,” loyal to Bishop Abioye.
Victor-Wallace noted that while Abioye commanded significant influence within the church, Oyedepo’s focus shifted to mentoring his sons, David Jr. and Isaac, positioning them for strategic leadership roles.
The introduction of the revised mandate and retirement policies is seen by some as part of a broader strategy to pave the way for the next generation of leaders.
While Abioye has retired, speculations about his future remain. His absence at Shiloh 2024 has left many wondering whether he will continue his ministry independently or remain aligned with Winners Chapel.
This ongoing controversy highlights the challenges of leadership transitions in faith-based organizations, especially those with deeply rooted traditions and loyal followings. As the Winners Chapel community adjusts to these changes, the legacy of its retiring leaders remains a testament to their enduring impact.
