THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DAVID OYEDEPO
David Olaniyi Oyedepo, born on September 27, 1954, in Osogbo, Nigeria, is a renowned Nigerian preacher, founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, and Presiding Bishop of the Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Ogun State. Known globally as the leader of Winners’ Chapel International, Oyedepo’s influence spans across continents, with churches in over 300 cities, including several African nations, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Oyedepo was born into a mixed-religious family. His father, Ibrahim, was a Muslim healer, while his mother, Dorcas, was a member of the Christian Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church. Despite growing up in a divided religious environment, Oyedepo was deeply influenced by his grandmother, who raised him. Through her, he was introduced to Christian values and the importance of prayer and tithing.
Oyedepo studied architecture at Kwara State Polytechnic before briefly working with the Federal Ministry of Housing. However, he resigned to focus on his missionary calling. His educational journey continued as he earned a Ph.D. in Human Development from Honolulu University in Hawaii.
At 15, Oyedepo experienced a profound conversion, which ignited his passion for evangelism. In 1981, he received a divine vision during an 18-hour encounter with God, where he was commissioned to liberate the world from oppression through the preaching of faith. This moment marked the birth of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, initially called Liberation Faith Hour Ministries.
In 1983, Oyedepo and his wife, Faith Oyedepo, were ordained as pastors, and the church was officially launched with the support of Pastor Enoch Adeboye. Five years later, Oyedepo was ordained as a bishop by Archbishop Benson Idahosa, marking a pivotal moment in his ministry.
By 1989, Oyedepo moved his ministry to Lagos after receiving God’s directive to reach more people. Winners’ Chapel International quickly grew to become one of the largest Christian congregations in the world. In 1998, he acquired a 530-acre property in Ota, Ogun State, where the church’s headquarters, Canaanland, was built. The Faith Tabernacle, a 50,000-seat auditorium, was dedicated in 1999 and set a Guinness World Record for its size.
Today, Oyedepo’s church continues to grow with over 50,000 congregants attending services weekly. His vision for growth expanded with the establishment of Covenant University and Landmark University, along with several schools and social development projects that serve thousands.
Forbes listed Oyedepo as the wealthiest pastor in Nigeria in 2011, with a net worth of over $150 million. He owns four private jets, as well as properties in several countries. His publishing arm, Dominion Publishing House, has produced over 70 titles and distributes millions of copies worldwide.
In 1982, Oyedepo married Florence Abiola Akano, now known as Faith Oyedepo. Together, they have four children—David Jr., Isaac, Love, and Joyce. His sons, David Jr. and Isaac, are pastors in the ministry, continuing the family legacy of service and leadership.
The Covenant University Alumni Association launched DODOS in 2012 to honor Oyedepo’s legacy. On his birthday, September 27, the initiative encourages people worldwide to engage in acts of service and contribution to society.
Oyedepo has received numerous awards and recognition, including being listed among the 100 most reputable Africans and earning an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity from Bethel Graduate School of Theology. He is also a fellow of the Nigerian Society for Financial Research.
His leadership, commitment to faith, and dedication to expanding the kingdom of God have made David Oyedepo one of the most influential Christian leaders in the world today. His life is a testament to God’s faithfulness, showing how unwavering belief and dedication can transform lives and nations.
Through his teachings, Oyedepo continues to inspire millions, focusing on the importance of faith, prosperity, and soul-winning. His ministry reaches across nations, impacting not only individuals but entire communities. His legacy will continue for generations, encouraging believers to live with purpose, faith, and vision.
