Bishop David Oyedepo has hit out at people questioning the recent leadership arrangements announced at his Living Faith Church, better known as Winners Chapel -which saw the two most senior pastors, Bishops Thomas Aremu, 67 and David Abioye, 63 retiring the after decades of service. The retirements had sparked public debates, with some social media users querying why only the founder of the church is entitled to life service. Reacting during Aremu’s farewell service in Ibadan, Oyedepo asked people to learn to mind their business -saying that the church follows divine orders. “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.” Oyedepo said.
During his valedictory service at the Living Faith Church, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan, on October 15, Aremu said he would remain in the Winners Chapel family. “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. Even after retirement, I shall remain in the Winners family. I may be privileged to bless other churches other than Winners, but there is nothing I am going to teach them also than what I have learnt in Winners. God planted me in this commission, and I am convinced this is where I belong.” Aremu said.
At his own farewell service on October 18, Abioye said he would remain grateful to Oyedepo for the opportunity to serve. “It has been my unreserved honour to serve in the Commission for close to 4 decades and my appreciation for this opportunity goes to my mentor, leader and father in the faith, Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder and Apostle over Living Faith Church worldwide, whom I love and respect ever since meeting him over 44 years ago.”
“We have seen the power of faith in the Mandate committed into his hands and God at work in countless lives, and I am deeply grateful for the leadership provided by him and fellowship shared together. While my official duties rounds up, my covenant relationship with God’s servant continues and my goodwill towards the wellbeing of the Commission under his leadership remains intact.On behalf of my ever-supportive wife and wonderful children, we say a big thank you.” Abioye said.
Bishops Aremu And Abioye’s retirements follow a review of the church’s administrative policy, called The Mandate. Retirement age for leaders at the church has been pegged at 55. Only David Oyedepo, founder of the church, aged 70, can now serve for life, according to the new policy. The Mandate stipulates that future leaders of the church will be restricted to one or two terms of seven years, pending approval by the Board of Trustees (BoT).