Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), has issued a strong warning to those criticizing the church’s leadership over the recent retirement of its bishops. This comes after the announcement that Bishops Thomas Aremu and David Abioye, both long-serving vice presidents, would retire after decades of ministry.
The retirements align with the church’s operational guidelines, known as The Mandate, which recently revised the retirement age from 60 to 55. While Oyedepo holds the right to serve for life, future leaders will be limited to one or two seven-year terms, pending approval from the Board of Trustees.
Addressing the criticisms during a valedictory service for Bishop Aremu, Oyedepo advised critics to stay silent and focus on their own affairs, stating that those wishing for the church’s downfall were “wasting their lives.”
Oyedepo emphasized that the church’s policies have been guided by divine order, with its Administrative Policy of 1998 revised in 2001, and The Mandate of 2012 updated in 2024. He encouraged Bishop Aremu to remain focused on his spiritual journey and to ignore baseless criticisms.
Quoting Genesis 49:26, Oyedepo reminded his audience that “no one has an inheritance in a teacher or pastor,” urging Aremu to stay connected to God for continued grace and growth.
