Dino Melaye Criticizes Winners Chapel Over Leadership Retirement Policy

Senator Dino Melaye has voiced his displeasure with the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel, over its newly implemented leadership retirement policy, which led to the retirement of Bishop David Abioye.

Melaye, a two-term member of the National Assembly and prominent politician, disclosed on his Facebook page that he chose not to attend this year’s Shiloh, the church’s annual convocation, because of Bishop Abioye’s absence.

Background on the Policy

In October, the church announced a revision of its administrative policy, The Mandate, setting the retirement age for church leaders at 55 years, while Bishop David Oyedepo, the church’s founder and spiritual leader, is allowed to serve for life.

Under the policy:

• Retired bishops, including David Abioye and Thomas Aremu, had served the ministry for decades.
• Future leaders will be limited to one or two terms of seven years, subject to approval by the Board of Trustees (BoT).

The decision stirred debate among the church’s followers, with some praising it as a step toward structured governance, while others questioned its implications.

Melaye’s Criticism

In his post, Melaye expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to retire Bishop Abioye, whom he described as a vital figure in the ministry.

“I did not attend Shiloh 2024. Because Shiloh without Bishop Abioye is somehow. I can’t understand why Bishop Oyedepo, who is older, is not retired, and it is Bishop Abioye who is younger that should be forcefully retired. God did not retire Abioye, only Oyedepo did. Let’s watch…”

The former Senator’s remarks have ignited discussions among the church’s followers and observers, with mixed reactions regarding the rationale and fairness of the policy.

Context of Shiloh

Shiloh is a flagship annual event for the Winners Chapel community, drawing attendees from across the world. It is seen as a time of spiritual renewal and prophetic declarations under the leadership of Bishop Oyedepo and other key figures.

Implications

While the church’s leadership policy aims to ensure the transition of leadership responsibilities to younger generations, it also raises questions about continuity, the role of long-serving leaders, and the dynamics of governance within faith-based organizations.

The church is yet to officially respond to Senator Melaye’s statement.