A social media post from a Nigerian man has ignited widespread discussion and speculation concerning the notable absence of retired Bishop David Abioye from the recent Shiloh 2025 event hosted by the Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners Chapel.
Viral Post Addresses Rumours and Retirement
The online commentary, which quickly gained traction, sought to directly address circulating rumours that suggested Bishop Abioye had been banned from attending church events at his former place of ministry. The man's analysis pointed to a significant development: Bishop Abioye's establishment of a new church following his retirement from Winners Chapel.
It is crucial to note the factual timeline: Bishop David Abioye officially retired as the vice president of Living Faith Church in 2024. His subsequent absence from the church's major annual prophetic gathering, Shiloh, held in December 2025, became a point of public observation and curiosity for many members and observers of the ministry.
Connecting Absence to New Ministry Venture
The viral analysis made a direct link between the bishop's non-attendance and his new pastoral journey. According to the post, the primary reason behind Abioye's absence from Shiloh 2025 is his focus on and commitment to the new church he now leads.
This perspective frames the situation not as a punitive ban but as a natural consequence of his retirement and transition into an independent ministry. The discourse has shifted online from one of speculation about internal sanctions to discussions about the life and choices of a religious leader after decades of service in a major organisation.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Discourse
The public reaction to the man's post has been significant, with many Nigerians engaging in the conversation across various social media platforms. The topic resonates because of Bishop Abioye's high profile and long-standing role as a deputy to the presiding bishop of one of Nigeria's largest Pentecostal denominations.
While the original source of the "ban" rumours remains unclear, the viral post has provided a focal point for analysis. It highlights the public's keen interest in the movements of prominent religious figures, especially when it involves transitions between major ministries. The event underscores how retirement and new beginnings for church leaders are closely watched and often become subjects of intense public discourse in Nigeria's vibrant religious landscape.