Bishop Abioye Oyedepo
Retired Vice President of the Living Faith Church, Bishop David Abioye, has addressed public perceptions of being a mere duplicate of the church’s founder, Bishop David Oyedepo.
In a recent speech, Abioye affirmed his unwavering commitment to upholding the core values and teachings of the ministry while highlighting his close relationship with Oyedepo, which has flourished for over 45 years.
During his valedictory service at Goshen Camp in Nasarawa State, Abioye reflected on his journey within the ministry, expressing his gratitude for the spiritual mentorship and guidance he received from Oyedepo.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that he emphasized that his retirement, in line with the church’s revised operational manual known as The Mandate, does not signal an end to his service but rather a transition into a new phase.
The Mandate was recently updated to lower the retirement age for church leaders from 60 to 55, leading both Abioye and Bishop Thomas Arema to retire after decades of dedicated service.
Despite this shift, Abioye reiterated his continued commitment to supporting Oyedepo and the church’s mission.
In his speech, Abioye expressed profound appreciation for Oyedepo’s influence on his life and ministry.
He described their relationship as life-transforming, noting how it began in January 1980 and has shaped various aspects of his spiritual, personal, and family life.
“I appreciate my spiritual father, whom God has used tremendously in no little way to impact my life, my wife, and me till this moment.
“As a pastor over us, we have been well-fed by the word of God, and as a pathfinder, he has been used by God to guide us on the path of destiny.
“He has inspired us as a trailblazer in the pursuit of the Divine plan and, as a prophet, has provided us with adequate covering in the journey of life,” Abioye said.
Reflecting on the depth of their relationship, Abioye added, “Meeting with God’s servant (Oyedepo) was like entering into a school, and life-transforming lessons have been learned. There is no self-made man in life; even though God makes people, He does so through the instrumentality of men. I sincerely acknowledge that such is the story of my stewardship under the tutelage of my mentor, Bishop David Oyedepo.”
Abioye described himself as a “full-fledged duplicate” of the grace upon Oyedepo’s life, highlighting how their nearly 45-year relationship has profoundly influenced his spiritual journey.
He reaffirmed his commitment to remaining close to Oyedepo and continuing to serve the ministry, even in his retirement.
Bishop Abioye Oyedepo
“This relationship is extensive and deep, and we shall continue to be part of it by God’s grace, as we engage in post-retirement activities in full submission to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as taught us over the years by our fathers and mentors,” Abioye concluded.
Abioye’s retirement is seen not as a departure but as a continuation of his lifelong dedication to the Living Faith Church and its mission, with his bond to Bishop Oyedepo and the church remaining as strong as ever.
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