A thought-provoking social media post by a Nigerian man has ignited widespread discussion and analysis concerning a notable absence at a major religious gathering. The post, which went viral, delves into the potential significance of Bishop David Abioye's non-attendance at Shiloh 2025, the annual programme of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel.
The Viral Post and Its Biblical Analogy
The conversation was sparked by a Facebook user named Tosin Odeje. In his post, which has generated significant buzz online, Odeje did not merely note the absence but framed it within a powerful biblical context. He referenced the Old Testament story of Ahithophel and Absalom to interpret the event.
His post read in part: "Ahithophel directed Absalom to sleep with his father’s concubines in the open to strengthen his kingdom, and all Israel would know that there was no going back. That was a very powerful idea, and it sent the signal to David." Odeje then connected this ancient narrative to the contemporary situation, asking his audience if they understood the meaning of Bishop Abioye scheduling his own new church programme on the same day as Shiloh and then not showing up at the main event.
Context: What is Shiloh and Who is Bishop Abioye?
To understand the weight of the discussion, it is crucial to know the players involved. Shiloh is one of the most significant annual religious events in Nigeria, hosted by the Living Faith Church at its headquarters, Canaanland in Ota, Ogun State. It draws millions of attendees both physically and via broadcasts.
Bishop David Abioye is a prominent figure within the Winners Chapel hierarchy. For years, he and Reverend Tom Amenkhienan have been held up as paragons of loyalty and long-serving deputies to the church's leadership. Odeje's post pointedly referenced this, stating they were "once presented as symbols of loyalty to the younger generation of pastors and assistants."
Public Reaction and the Underlying Message
The viral post has elicited a wave of reactions from netizens, with many describing the analysis as "sad" but insightful. The core argument presented by Odeje is that the simultaneous scheduling and subsequent absence sent an unmistakable signal, whether intentional or not, about independence and a shift in dynamics.
The post further ventured into commentary on the nature of modern religious institutions, noting: "Many people have still not realised that the church is being run both for impact and for profit, it's sad though." It concluded with a cautionary lesson for church workers, advising them to be mindful of their future and authority within any organization.
This incident highlights how actions within Nigeria's influential religious circles are closely watched and interpreted by the public. The use of a deep biblical analogy to explain a current event has resonated with many, turning a simple observation about an absence into a broader conversation about church leadership, loyalty, and institutional power in the Nigerian context.
