Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church, delivered a pointed message to married men who resort to violence and verbal abuse at home during the Annual Youth Convention held at Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State. In a video posted to Instagram on Friday, 28 August 2026, the cleric mixed sharp humour with serious counsel, drawing from his own 44-year marriage as a reference point.
Oyedepo's blunt rebuke of domestic violence
The cleric was blunt in his rebuke of domestic violence, telling the congregation that a man who raises his hand against his wife has no business doing so at home. "You are beating your wife, a man, a man, beating his wife. If you can fight, go and register in sports council," he said, to visible amusement from the audience.
The cleric went further, warning that violence between spouses is, at its core, self-destruction, since a husband and wife are one flesh. "When you find a man hitting himself on the street, what happens? You and your wife are one flesh. It's insanity," he declared.
Marriage lesson: Names couples call each other
One of the more memorable moments from the sermon came when Oyedepo shared what he described as a lesson from God about enjoying marriage. He told the congregation that whatever name a person calls their spouse, that name equally belongs to them. "The Lord told me while he was training me on how to enjoy each marriage that whatever name you call your wife, that's your name. You said you are a fool, that means Mr Fool is talking to Mrs Fool," he explained.
The cleric then referenced his own marriage, revealing that his wife confirmed he had never raised a hand against her, and credited this as one of the foundations of their four-decade union. "My wife said yesterday, I've never lifted my hand. Where would I get that strength from? I got that lie before I was married. Today we are 44 years," he said.
Reactions from followers
Reactions from followers poured in after the video circulated online. @farayiola_official wrote: "We still have some people in that congregation that always beat their wives oo but instead of them to sober they're laughing." @jolapraise said: "I didn't know Bishop is so humorous great message."
@verifiedproperties_withudochi shared: "I can listen to Papa preach all day. Most of the life lessons I practice today, I learned from listening to Papa. His words have shaped me in so many ways." @luvlyeyezz commented: "Na dem full church pass, especially the ones with position." @binidan29 noted: "Whatever name you call your wife/husband that's your name." @officialdansino added: "Papa is not just a teaching priest, but also a doing priest. Talk and Do he does everything he tells."
The video has sparked widespread discussion online, with many praising the bishop's candid approach to addressing domestic issues within the Christian community. The convention continues to draw attention as Oyedepo's teachings resonate with both young and old attendees.
