A video from the ongoing Shiloh 2025 event has ignited discussions online after it captured the moment the General Overseer of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, introduced his first son to preach. The clip has led many to question the conspicuous absence of the church's former vice president, Bishop David Abioye, fueling conversations about leadership and succession within the prominent ministry.
The Pivotal Moment at Canaanland
The video, which circulated on social media platforms including TikTok, was recorded during the Shiloh 2025 programme. Shiloh is the major annual gathering hosted by the Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, at its expansive headquarters, Canaanland, in Ota, Ogun State.
In the footage, Bishop Oyedepo is seen warmly welcoming his son, Pastor David Oyedepo Jnr, to the pulpit. "It is my joy this morning to bring up for the next word my first son. I welcome Pastor David Oyedepo Jnr as he brings the word Amen," the bishop announced to the congregation. The event also featured Bishop Oyedepo speaking highly of his wife, Faith Oyedepo, as she was welcomed to deliver her sermon.
Context: A Leadership Shift
This year's Shiloh holds particular significance as it is the second major event following the retirement of Bishop David Abioye. Abioye served as the vice president of Winners Chapel for an impressive 44 years, working closely alongside Bishop Oyedepo. His departure from the role marked a significant shift in the church's long-standing leadership structure.
The video showing the prominent platform given to Oyedepo's son, juxtaposed with Abioye's absence, has become a focal point for observers. It has prompted widespread speculation about the future direction of the church and the apparent emphasis on familial succession within its hierarchy.
Nigerians React: Speculation and Analysis
The online reaction to the video has been swift and varied, with many users expressing their views on the development.
One user, Obibismanpero, commented on the seeming swift transition, noting, "David Abioye was just forgotten in a Second after so many years dedicating his life to the ministry such is life." This sentiment of a long-serving lieutenant being sidelined was echoed by others.
Another perspective came from ONbladecutz, who offered a cautionary take: "Learn from abioye story. No matter how close u may be with a family they will never involve you wen it’s time to share their properties." This view frames the event within a narrative of family-controlled enterprise.
However, not all comments were critical. A user named Shugar?? urged restraint, stating, "nothing like family business here. I am a full time tradition man but trust me they paid heavy prices for whatever we are seeing today. stop the hates."
Questions about the broader leadership picture were also raised. The Stentor001 pondered, "All the children are pastors? Where is Abioye? Mannnn.... One family has pastors and millions of families choose to serve them." Meanwhile, Chibuike framed the situation in spiritual terms: "As you’ve forgotten bishop David Abioye after so many years of labor, the lord which you call upon shall intervene."
Some, like Pretty J, pushed back against the 'family business' narrative, pointing out that many pastors preach at the altar and that not all family members preached during the event. This highlights the selective nature of the viral clip and the narratives it fuels.
The video from Shiloh 2025 has undoubtedly stirred a significant conversation within the Nigerian public sphere. It touches on themes of legacy, succession, and the dynamics of power in large religious institutions. While the official reasons for Bishop Abioye's current level of involvement remain unclear, the public's reaction underscores the deep interest in the future of one of Nigeria's most influential churches. The event continues to be analyzed as a potential indicator of the next chapter for Living Faith Church Worldwide.
