Major Reasons Behind Sudden Retirement of Bishops Thomas Aremu and David Abioye –David Oyedepo
According to The Vanguard, Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder and presiding bishop of Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, has defended the church’s pastoral retirement policy in the face of criticism. The retirement of Bishops David Abioye and Thomas Aremu, who served for 40 and 30 years, respectively, is the subject of dispute. According to Oyedepo, these retirements are in line with “The Mandate,” the church’s operating standards, which establishes a retirement age of 55
During a sermon at Bishop Aremu’s farewell service, Oyedepo emphasized adhering to established protocols. He noted that the church’s Administrative Policy was introduced in 1998 and reviewed in 2001, with the most recent update in 2024. This policy change aims to encourage new leadership while preserving the church’s core values.
Oyedepo retains the right to serve indefinitely, but future leaders will be limited to one or two seven-year terms, pending Board of Trustees approval. He advised critics to focus on their own affairs, saying, “My advice to commentators is to study to be quiet and mind your own business.”
Bishop Aremu reassured the congregation about his future plans, emphasizing loyalty to Winners Chapel. Bishop Abioye’s farewell ceremony is scheduled for October 18, 2024, marking another significant transition for the church.
