Two prominent Vice Presidents of the Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, are preparing to retire after an astonishing four and three decades of service. This announcement comes from multiple church sources, including an unnamed pastor who confirmed the planned retirements of Bishops David Abioye and Thomas Aremu to The PUNCH. The decision to retire these bishops aligns with recent revisions to the church’s operational procedures, as outlined in “The Mandate.” The new regulations stipulate that the retirement age for church leaders has been adjusted from 60 to 55 years old, ensuring that only the founder, Bishop David Oyedepo, can serve indefinitely.
Sources indicate that the retirement of Bishops Abioye and Aremu is expected to be announced during the celebration of Bishop Oyedepo’s birthday. This move follows a shift in church philosophy regarding leadership positions, as individuals above the age of 55 are no longer eligible to hold significant church roles unless they are Bishop Oyedepo himself. Reports suggest that one of the bishops had been contemplating retirement even before this announcement, indicating that such a transition was anticipated by some within the church community.
Attempts to seek confirmation from the church’s media representatives were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to inquiries. Presently, Bishop Abioye, aged 63, and Bishop Aremu, aged 67, will be stepping down in accordance with this new policy. The outcome reflects an evolving governance structure within Winners Chapel, where future leaders may only be allowed to serve for limited terms of seven years each, pending approval from the Board of Trustees.
In preparation for their retirements, farewell services are set to take place for both Bishops. Specifically, Bishop Abioye’s valedictory service is scheduled for October 18, 2024, in Durumi, Abuja, while Bishop Aremu’s farewell will occur on October 15, 2024, at LFC Basorun in Ibadan, Oyo State. These events mark significant moments in the lives of both bishops, who have played vital roles in the church’s growth and expansion over the decades.
Bishop Abioye was introduced to Bishop Oyedepo in 1979 and quickly rose to prominence within the church. He led one of the church’s initial branches in 1987 and was consecrated as a bishop in 1993 at just 32 years old. Bishop Aremu, on the other hand, transitioned to full-time ministry after a successful career in accounting. He became one of the seven bishops consecrated in November 1999 at Garden of Faith, Kaduna, further solidifying his commitment to religious leadership within the church.
The upcoming retirements of Bishops Abioye and Aremu not only highlight the church’s evolving leadership dynamics but also reflect the broader context of governance within religious institutions. As demographic changes occur and as operational guidelines are revised, such transitions can signify opportunities for new leadership to emerge within the church. Both bishops have made lasting impacts on their congregations and will undoubtedly leave behind a legacy that will influence future generations of church members.
