Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), has extolled his First Vice President, Bishop David Abioye, stating that throughout his over four decades in ministry, Abioye never struggled for anything.
Speaking during the retirement valedictory service held in Abioye’s honour at Living Faith Church, Goshen, Abuja, on Friday, Oyedepo commended his long-time associate for his unwavering dedication and grace.
Abioye, along with Vice President Thomas Aremu, whose send-off was held on Tuesday, retired in line with the church’s operational guidelines, known as The Mandate, which serves as the church’s constitution.
Bishop Abioye, who was the Senior Pastor of Living Faith Church in Goshen City, Abuja, first met Oyedepo in 1979. He went on to lead one of the church’s pioneer branches in 1987 and was consecrated as a bishop in 1993 at the age of 32.
In his prayer for Abioye, Oyedepo remarked, “The celebrant of today has never struggled for anything, yet good things kept happening.”
He added, “You didn’t come my way by accident; God sent you my way, and He sent me to you.”
Delivering a sermon on the topic: Understanding the Potency of Blessings, Oyedepo emphasised that no skill or expertise can match the value of divine blessings, noting that the church’s success is deeply rooted in the validity of the Liberation Mandate, which he described as a divine plan, not man-made.
In her remarks, Bishop Oyedepo’s wife, Pastor Faith, reflected on their humble beginnings and their long-standing relationship with Bishop Abioye.
She recalled, “It has been a long journey. I have known Bishop Abioye since before the ministry started, and you have been there from inception, from the days of small beginnings. When in the powerhouse, we used to have camp meetings in secondary schools and eat with borrowed plastic plates and spoons, and here we are today, over 40 years later, waxing stronger in the Lord. The journey has been long, and God has been faithful.”
The Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Pastor Paul Enenche, celebrated Abioye for his selfless service and dedication.
He said, “Making a difference is far more important than just making a living. Bishop Abioye’s life is a testament to that truth. He has tirelessly worked not for recognition, but to leave a lasting impact.”
Similarly, the presiding Archbishop of Dominion Chapel International Churches, Archbishop John Praise, also described Abioye as a man of exceptional humility.
“You cannot surpass his humility. In all my years, I have never seen anyone serve in the capacity that Bishop Abioye has, with such grace and humility,” he said.
In his response, Bishop Abioye expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under Bishop Oyedepo, stating that his journey in ministry has always been about fulfilling divine purpose, not personal ambition.
Reflecting on his journey, Abioye said, “It is a great privilege given to me by my spiritual father, Bishop David Oyedepo. For me, ministry has always been about fulfilling God’s purpose. My life, and that of my wife, has been deeply shaped by the guidance, inspiration, and covering provided by God’s servant.”
He added that his relationship with Oyedepo, which began even before the birth of The Mandate, has spanned nearly 45 years, impacting not only his ministry but also his family and personal life.
“This relationship is so deep and extensive, and by God’s grace, we will continue to walk in it as we engage in post-retirement activities under the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” he said.
