Bishop David Oyedepo, founder and presiding bishop of Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, has defended the church’s policy on pastoral retirements amid criticism, The Vanguard reports. The controversy surrounds the retirement of Bishops Thomas Aremu and David Abioye, who served for 30 and 40 years, respectively. Oyedepo explained that these retirements align with the church’s operational guidelines, “The Mandate,” which sets the retirement age at 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.
