Bishops David Abioye and Thomas Aremu, two key deputies of Bishop David Oyedepo’s Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, are preparing for retirement next week. Their imminent exit, set for October 15 and 18, 2024, opens the door to potential new roles within the church structure. These roles, according to the church’s operational manual The Mandate, offer them various leadership opportunities both within and outside Nigeria.

The church’s mandatory retirement age of 60 has prompted the decision, with Abioye, aged 63, and Aremu, aged 67, stepping down. Valedictory services will be held to honor their contributions—Aremu will be celebrated in Ibadan, Oyo State, while Abioye’s service will take place in Abuja.

Potential Roles for the Retiring Bishops
Church insiders have confirmed that both bishops could take up several roles following their retirement, should they choose to continue serving in the church. These include being appointed resident pastors at local or zonal assemblies, overseeing specific locations, or working in educational institutions tied to the church. They may also serve in specialized departments at the headquarters or in the Revival Mission Initiative Department as revivalists. However, any appointment would require annual renewal.

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Bishop Abioye, who currently leads the Living Faith Church in Goshen City, Abuja, has a long history with Bishop Oyedepo, dating back to their first meeting in 1979. He was consecrated in 1993 after leading one of the church’s pioneer branches. Bishop Aremu, formerly an accountant, transitioned into full-time ministry and was consecrated in 1999, joining the ranks of the church’s senior leadership.

While it remains to be seen whether the bishops will pursue these new roles, their legacy in the church is already well-established, having both contributed significantly to mission work over the years.