Former Kogi State Senator Dino Melaye has criticized the absence of Bishop David Abioye at Shiloh 2024, the annual event hosted by the Living Faith Church Worldwide.
In a social media post, Melaye, known for his outspoken commentary, questioned the retirement of Bishop Abioye, a relatively younger senior pastor, and hinted at potential concerns about the church’s leadership structure.
“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,” Melaye tweeted, further alleging that the decision was man-made rather than divinely orchestrated.
“God did not retire Abioye, only Oyedepo did. Let’s watch,” he added in an X post on his official account on Sunday.
PUNCH Online reports that Shiloh, the annual convocation of the Winners family worldwide, took place from December 10 to 15, 2024.
Earlier in October, he had reported the impending retirement of the church’s two vice presidents, Bishops David Abioye and Thomas Aremu, after serving for over four and three decades, respectively.
Meanwhile, the church’s founder, Bishop David Oyedepo, addressed critics, urging them to refrain from questioning the church’s decisions regarding the retirement of its pastors.
The former senator’s remarks have reignited discussions on succession planning and leadership transitions within religious organizations.
In October, during his Valedictory Service at the Living Faith Church in Orita Bashorun, Ibadan, Bishop Thomas Aremu reflected on his journey since 1983, expressing deep gratitude for the spiritual mentorship of Bishop David Oyedepo, the church’s founder. He also explained his decision not to establish a church after retirement.
In November, Bishop David Abioye announced via his X handle, #BishopDOAbioye, that he would reveal his next steps on Monday, November 11.
While some online commentators have echoed Melaye’s concerns, others argue that such internal church matters should not be subject to public criticism.
This controversy has put the leadership decisions of the Living Faith Church, led by Bishop Oyedepo, under scrutiny, with many awaiting the church’s response to Melaye’s remarks.
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