Abioye Breaks New Ground: Ex-Living Faith Pastor Launches Own Church

In a bold move that has set tongues wagging across Nigeria’s Christian community, Bishop David Abioye, a towering figure in the Living Faith Church, has stepped out from the shadow of his mentor, Bishop David Oyedepo, to launch his own ministry. The 63-year-old cleric, who retired in October 2024 after four decades of service, announced on his verified X account on April 27, 2025, that his new church will kick off Sunday morning services on May 4 at 8 a.m. in Abuja. This seismic shift marks a new chapter for a man whose fiery sermons and steadfast loyalty helped build Winners Chapel into a global powerhouse.Abioye’s departure from Living Faith, where he served as First Vice President and Senior Pastor of the 30,000-strong Goshen City branch, came after a controversial policy change. The church’s revised operational manual, known as The Mandate, set a mandatory retirement age of 55, forcing Abioye and Bishop Thomas Aremu, aged 67, to step down. Initially, Abioye hosted evening fellowships at Los Angeles Mall in Kado, Abuja, insisting they were non-denominational and divinely inspired, not a personal ambition. But his latest announcement signals a full-fledged church, a move that has sparked both excitement and debate among followers.The announcement, delivered with Abioye’s signature zeal, electrified his congregation. “Exciting news! By the grace of God, starting next Sunday, our service is moving to the morning—8:00 AM. It’s a new day for you—come ready to be blessed mightily in Jesus’ name,” he posted on X, urging followers to mark their calendars. The shift to morning services, a hallmark of established churches, confirms Abioye’s intent to carve out a distinct ministry, rooted in his decades of preaching faith, prosperity, and spiritual stewardship.For many, this is more than a new church—it’s a testament to Abioye’s enduring influence. Having met Oyedepo in 1979 and risen to become a bishop at 32, his journey is woven into Living Faith’s DNA. Yet, his retirement stirred whispers of tension, with some, like former Senator Dino Melaye, calling it unfair given Oyedepo’s continued leadership at 70. Abioye, however, has remained gracious, crediting Oyedepo for shaping his destiny.What This Means for NigeriansAbioye’s new church could reshape Abuja’s spiritual landscape, drawing thousands seeking his practical, life-changing teachings. For everyday Nigerians, it’s a chance to see if this revered pastor’s vision will spark revival or stir competition in a city brimming with megachurches. As May 4 approaches, all eyes are on Abioye to deliver a ministry that lives up to his towering legacy.