Retired Vice President of the Living Faith Church, Bishop David Abioye, has addressed perceptions of him being a mere duplicate of the church’s founder, Bishop David Oyedepo, affirming his commitment to uphold the foundational values and teachings of the ministry.
Speaking at a recent event, Abioye expressed his unwavering dedication to maintaining a close relationship with Bishop Oyedepo, a partnership that has flourished for over 45 years.
Despite his retirement, which aligns with the church’s revised operational manual known as The Mandate, Abioye remains focused on the church’s mission and vision.
The Mandate, which was recently updated, has set the retirement age for church leaders from 60 to 55.
Abioye and Bishop Thomas Arema, who has also dedicated over three decades of service, retired in compliance with this new directive.
In his remarks, Abioye emphasized that retirement does not signify an end but rather a transition to a different phase of service.
He reiterated his commitment to support Oyedepo and the church’s objectives, stating that his passion for the ministry and its growth remains as strong as ever.
Speaking during his valedictory service at Goshen Camp in Nasarawa State, Abioye said, “I appreciate My spiritual father whom God has used tremendously in no little way to impact my life, my wife and I 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 Divine plan and as a prophet, he has provided for us adequate covering in the journey of life.
“Meeting with God’s servant (Oyedepo) was like entering into a school and life-transforming lessons have been learnt.
“There is no self-made man in life, even though God is the one who makes people, he does so through the instrumentality of men who we see and relate with. I sincerely acknowledge that such is the story of my stewardship under the tutelage of my mentor, Bishop David Oyedepo.
“Greatness is not a thing to wish for but a journey to make by following. By God’s help, I have engaged myself with him since January 1980 which I believe, from the foundation of the world, was orchestrated by the holy spirit to fulfil Divine purpose. Today, people look at me with admiration as a full-fledged duplicate of grace that is upon the life of my prophet, pastor, teacher, and mentor Bishop David Oyedepo.
“My personal relationship which commenced before the path of the mandate has spanned close to 45 years covering several spheres of life including ministries, our nuclear and extended families.
“This relationship is extensive and deep and we shall continue to be a path 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.”
