Akintayo Addresses Questions Over Bishop Abioye’s Exit From Winners After Claims He ‘Was Pushed Out’
- Bishop David Olatunji Abioye took his exit from service at Winners Chapel this October
- Legit.ng understands that the retirement is in line with the operational guidelines of the Liberation Commission, which serves as the church’s constitution
- Stephen Akintayo, an ally of top leaders of Winners Chapel, made a social media post where he explained that Bishop David Oyedepo blessed Abioye's exit and that the departing sexagenarian is a happy man
Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, has over 9 years of experience covering public journalism.
FCT, Abuja - Stephen Akintayo, a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur, has said it is not true that Bishop David Abioye, the first vice-president of the Living Faith Church, better known as Winners Chapel, “was pushed out”.
Legit.ng reports that Akintayo attended the retirement valedictory service held in Abioye’s honour at Living Faith Church, Goshen, Abuja, on Friday, October 18.
Source: Twitter
"Abioye wasn't forced out of Winners" - Akintayo
In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) page, Akintayo, a friend of Winners Chapel leaders, explained that Abioye was never interested in taking over from Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of the popular church.
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Akintayo said he is privileged to have been aware of Bishop Abioye’s departure “for over a year”, but his “first worry was the internal management of the issue”.
The inspirational speaker cautioned Winners Chapel's critics, who he said have no idea of the many years of sacrifice made by Bishop Abioye, 63.
He wrote:
“I want to advise everyone worried to know this for sure! Bishop Abioye is happy to retire and wasn’t forced out in any way. He has been looking forward to retiring in peace with no scandal or issues with his beloved mentor, and tonight (Friday, October 18) is a witness to that.
“When I got to Goshen, I immediately went to see him, had a brief private moment, and saw that he was happy.
“As for Bishop Oyedepo, he is aware he will miss Bishop Abioye too well, and I saw him pray from the depth of his heart, same with mummy’s faith, that the next phase for Bishop Abioye should be tremendous and way more glorious.”
Read Akintayo's post in full below:
Winners Chapel members laud Abioye
Meanwhile, members of the Winners Chapel who spoke to Legit.ng praised Bishop Abioye's personality.
The Winners' members said Abioye is a "true man of God".
Boade Shina said:
"Bishop Abioye is the perfect gentleman. If humility was a person, it would be him."
For Eugene Onah, he still feels goosebumps.
Onah told Legit.ng:
"I desire Bishop Abioye's grace - that staying power and finishing strong one must convert. I say congratulations to him on his retirement."
Mary Toyin said Abioye's ministerial journey has only just begun.
She said:
"There is a world waiting—millions of souls, longing for the word that will awaken their spirits and lead them to freedom. I am convinced Bishop Abioye's voice carries the echoes of eternity."
Bishop Aremu affirms loyalty to Winners Chapel
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Bishop Thomas Aremu of the Winners Chapel disclosed that he is not planning to open his own church.
Aremu, who, like Bishop Abioye, is quitting Winners Chapel, said God’s presence is his greatest asset, and he has seen God in practical terms.
Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
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Source: Legit.ng
