ABUJA: Former Kogi State Senator, Dino Melaye, has raised concerns about the absence of Bishop David Abioye from the 2024 Shiloh gathering, an annual event organized by the Living Faith Church Worldwide.
Melaye, a prominent public commentator, took to social media to express his disapproval of the situation, questioning the church’s leadership structure and the decision to retire Bishop Abioye, a younger senior pastor, while the church’s founder, Bishop David Oyedepo, has not retired.
In a post on X, Melaye stated, “I did not attend Shiloh 2024. Shiloh without Bishop Abioye is somehow. I can’t understand why Bishop Oyedepo, who is older, is not retired, and it is Bishop Abioye, who is younger, that should be forcefully retired.” He further alleged that the decision to retire Abioye was made by man, rather than being divinely ordained, adding, “God did not retire Abioye, only Oyedepo did. Let’s watch.”
The controversy surrounding the retirement of Abioye and the church’s leadership structure comes after the announcement that both Abioye and Thomas Aremu, the church’s vice presidents, would retire following decades of service. Abioye had earlier announced on his X handle that he would reveal his next steps after retirement on November 11.
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The debate has reignited discussions about succession planning and leadership transitions within religious organizations. While some online commentators share Melaye’s views, others have cautioned against publicly criticizing internal church matters.
Bishop Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church, has urged critics to respect the church’s decisions regarding the retirement of its pastors. His remarks, and Melaye’s criticisms, have drawn attention to the future of the church’s leadership as the Living Faith community watches for a response.
