Bishop David Oyedepo the presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church also known as Winners Chapel International, is a Pentecostal Christian denomination centre based in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. The presiding bishop who has been a renowned preacher for more than four decades gave his life to Christ at the age of 15 years. The bishop who had earlier told members that he don’t want any physical gifts like birthday cards or cakes that he don’t eat cake or read them.
Bishop Oyedepo is said to have been in Christ for over 55 years and He is a die hard lover of humanity. He gained his inspiration from the mandate God gave him some 40 years ago when he visited his friends and couldn’t find them.
The bishop said on his arrival to Illorin the present-day capital of Kwara state, the Lord said to him, seek a quiet place He wants to talk to him. He decided to find a place he could lodge and the place he found was Hotel International. According to him the hotel wasn’t necessarily equipped as with the name it is called. But on an 18 hour-long vision, he got the mandate that the church operates on today.
“The Hour has come to liberate the world from all oppressions of the devil through the preaching of the word of faith and I’m sending you to undertake this task”.
Ever since Bishop Oyedepo got this mandate in 1981, he has been running with this mandate and almost every winner knows about the mandate word by word. The church which started with about three persons has grown to be over a million worshippers globally. Running this vision with him is his faithful son, Bishop David Abioye, his right hand and obedient son.
Bishop David Oyedepo’s 70th birthday was graced by high profile dignitaries and individuals. The likes of the former President of Nigeria – President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Good Ebele Jonathan. Other high profile individuals in this August event are the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu, Delta State Governor, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, and other royal fathers and rulers of towns. Worthy of mention is the Olomu of Omo Aran His Royal Majesty, Oba AbdulRaheem Oladele Adeoti Akolade Agboluaje, and others.
Special remarks made by Arch Bishop Margaret Benson Idahosa, the wife of the late Benson Idahosa of the Church of God mission. She narrated how Bishop Oyedepo has never relented since the demise of her husband in paying the school fees of the children. She said it’s a covenant that must be carried on until the next generation. She called on all her children, Bishop Feb, and Bishop Oyedepo’s children, David Jnr, Isaac, and all of the rest that they’ll continue to be as one. The arch Bishop said those who promise her that they’ll always be there never returned any day except Bishop Oyedepo who has never relented.
Another remarkable remark was made by Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, whose wife happens to be a birthday mate of Bishop Oyedepo. Ashimolowo who resides in the UK graced the occasion to celebrate Bishop Oyedepo at 70th. Ashimolowo has been a long time friend of Bishop Oyedepo for over 37 years and has to grace the occasion by all means.
Bishop Oyedepo is a global phenomenon that needs to be studied. He has single handedly through the help of God made Ota to be on the world map. Also worthy of mention is the building of a 50,000 capacity auditorium that was built in one year. The church has no vision pillar as many of the auditoriums do have capacities. Guinness World Record was acclaimed to have visited to take pictures of what God has done in that auditorium. The church is currently undergoing another massive project called the ARK. a 109,000 capacity auditorium with world class amenities and elevators and escalators.
Want to get more relevant news about religion, entertainment and mainstream blogging without bias? Subscribed to our website to be the first to be notified about hot news.