A social media post analyzing the conspicuous absence of retired Bishop David Abioye from the just-concluded Shiloh 2025 event has sparked renewed debate and speculation within Nigerian Christian circles.
Facebook Post Highlights Contrast in Retired Bishops' Appearances
The analysis was shared on Facebook by a user identified as Martin White-Ufuah. He focused on the fact that Bishop David Abioye was absent from the Shiloh event for the second consecutive year since his retirement in October 2024. Shiloh is the major annual programme of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel, held at its Canaanland headquarters in Ota, Ogun State.
In his post, White-Ufuah drew a sharp contrast with another retired vice president of the church, Bishop Thomas Aremu. He noted that Aremu, who retired alongside Abioye, was present at Shiloh 2025 and was even given a platform to minister. He added that Bishop Aremu has also returned to preach at a Winners Chapel branch in Ibadan.
Speculation and Allegations of a "Cold War"
The Facebook user addressed widespread rumours attempting to explain Abioye's absence. He dismissed the notion that retired ministers are barred from attending, pointing out that Shiloh welcomes ministers from independent churches as well. Instead, he referenced allegations that Abioye's decision to start his own ministry after retirement might be a key factor.
"There's a cold unspoken war between these people that nobody is voicing," Martin White-Ufuah wrote. He mentioned a rumoured circular letter from Living Faith Church that allegedly banned Abioye from attending Shiloh after he founded his own church.
The post expressed concern that the situation is splitting relationships and forcing Christians into camps. It criticized the development as "unchristian and uncharitable" and stated it sets a poor example for younger ministers and believers. The analysis concluded by lamenting that such incidents make the church appear like a business and open it up to public criticism.
Background and Wider Reactions
Bishop David Abioye served as Vice President of Winners Chapel for 44 years alongside the General Overseer, Bishop David Oyedepo, before retiring in October 2024. His absence from the church's flagship event continues to draw significant attention.
The post also recalled that last year, Senator Dino Melaye, known to be close to Bishop Abioye, publicly expressed his displeasure with Bishop Oyedepo regarding the matter, adding a political dimension to the discourse.
Meanwhile, Shiloh 2025 itself generated other news, including a viral video of Bishop Oyedepo introducing his first son at the event, which also drew comments and questions from netizens regarding church succession and the absence of the retired vice president.
The ongoing discussion underscores the intense public interest in the internal dynamics of one of Nigeria's most influential Pentecostal ministries and the legacy of its founding leaders.
