Oyedepo Backs Leadership Retirements, Tells Critics To Keep Quiet

Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), has called on critics to stop questioning the church’s decisions regarding the retirement of its pastors and keep quiet.

He faced backlash on social media after it was reported that his two vice presidents, Bishops Thomas Aremu and David Abioye, would be retiring after three and four decades of service. Their retirement aligns with the church’s operational guidelines, known as The Mandate, which acts as the church’s constitution.

During his sermon at Bishop Aremu’s farewell service at Winners Chapel, Orita Bashorun, on Tuesday, Oyedepo emphasized the need for individuals to focus on their own matters. He noted that the church’s Administrative Policy was updated in 2001 and The Mandate was revised in 2024, highlighting that the ministry operates under divine order.

The updated Mandate has lowered the retirement age from 60 to 55. While Oyedepo has the right to serve for life, future church leaders will be limited to one or two terms of seven years, subject to Board of Trustees approval.

The Bishop cautioned those hoping for the ministry’s failure that they are wasting their “lives.” He advised commentators to remain quiet and focus on their own affairs, stating that it is wise to understand what works and why it works.

He encouraged Bishop Aremu to keep God at the forefront of his life, warning that taking a spiritual break can be dangerous.