The Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, is preparing for a major leadership transition as its two Vice Presidents, Bishops David Abioye and Thomas Aremu, are set to retire next week. Both leaders have served in the ministry for over four and three decades, respectively.
According to church insiders, including an anonymous pastor, the retirements were confirmed on Thursday, aligning with the church’s operational manual, The Mandate, which recently lowered the retirement age for church leaders from 60 to 55 years.
However, only the church's founder, Bishop David Oyedepo, will remain in his position for life.
Congregants speculate that the retirements will coincide with celebrations for Bishop Oyedepo's birthday.
One church member remarked, “We’ve heard that the bishops will leave during the birthday celebration. It’s not surprising, as one of the bishops has been contemplating this move for some time.”
Bishop Abioye, 63, and Bishop Aremu, 67, are set to be honored in farewell services at their respective branches. Abioye’s service is scheduled for October 18, 2024, in Abuja, while Aremu’s will take place on October 15, 2024, in Ibadan.
Bishop Abioye, who has served as Senior Pastor of Living Faith Church, Goshen City in Abuja, has been closely linked with Bishop Oyedepo since 1979.
Aremu, an accountant turned minister, joined full-time ministry in 1999.
Their retirements mark the end of an era for the church as it transitions into a new phase of leadership, with future leaders serving seven-year terms under the supervision of the Board of Trustees.