Bishops Aremu, Abioye retire from Oyedepo’s Winners Chapel

Bishops Thomas Aremu and David Abioye have retired from the Living Faith Church, better known as Winners Chapel, after decades of service.

Aremu is 67 while Abioye is 63.

The 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).

FAREWELL SERVICES

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,” Aremu said.

“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.”

In his 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,” Abioye said.

“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.”

‘MIND YOUR BUSINESS’

The retirements had sparked controversy, with some social media users querying why only the founder of the church is allowed to serve in perpetuity.

Reacting during Aremu’s farewell service, Oyedepo asked people to learn to mind their business.

He also stated that the church follows divine orders.

“My advice to commentators is to study to be quiet and mind your business,” Oyedepo said.

“It is wisdom to learn what is working and find out what makes it work. Everything works here.”