Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, has addressed recent concerns regarding the retirement of senior church leaders.
The move has sparked conversations across social media, with some questioning the reasons behind the decision. However, Bishop Oyedepo has called for critics to stay out of the church’s internal affairs.
The controversy began when it was revealed that two of the church’s top leaders, Bishops Thomas Aremu and David Abioye, are set to retire after decades of service.
Bishop Aremu has served in the ministry for over 30 years, while Bishop Abioye has been a part of the church for more than 40 years.
The retirement process is based on the church’s operational guidelines, which were first set out in a document referred to as “The Mandate,” the church’s constitution.
Speaking during a farewell service held for Bishop Aremu at Winners Chapel in Orita Bashorun, Ibadan, on Tuesday, Bishop Oyedepo emphasized the importance of respecting the church’s internal policies. He explained that the guidelines for leadership and retirement have been in place for many years.
In fact, the church’s Administrative Policy, which was initially set in 1998, was revised in 2001, and The Mandate of 2012 was updated in 2024 to reflect changes in leadership structures.
The revised policy now states that the retirement age for church leaders is 55, a change from the previous age limit of 60. Although Bishop Oyedepo, as the founder of the church, retains the right to serve for life, future leaders will be subject to the new rules.
They will serve terms of seven years, with the possibility of being reappointed for another term, but only with approval from the church’s Board of Trustees.
During his sermon, Bishop Oyedepo also warned against those wishing for the downfall of the ministry.
“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 said, urging people to focus on their personal growth instead of criticizing the church.
Bishop Aremu, who was the focus of the service, also addressed the congregation, stating clearly that he has no plans to start his own church after retirement.
“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, reaffirming his commitment to Winners Chapel.
Aremu, who transitioned from a successful career in accounting to full-time ministry, was the last surviving bishop of the seven consecrated at the Garden of Faith in Kaduna in 1999.
Meanwhile, preparations are ongoing for Bishop Abioye’s farewell ceremony, which will take place on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Winners Chapel, Durumi, Abuja.
