Bishop David Oyedepo (born September 27, 1954) is a Nigerian Christian preacher, author, educator, and the founder and presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners’ Chapel. He is regarded as one of the most influential figures in global Pentecostalism and is a prominent advocate of prosperity gospel teachings. Bishop David Oyedepo has built one of the largest Christian networks in Africa and is also the founder of several educational institutions, including Covenant University and Landmark University. His ministry, based in Nigeria, has grown to include churches in Africa, Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world.
Early Life and Background
Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo was born into a mixed-religion family in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria. His father, Ibrahim Oyedepo, was a Muslim healer, and his mother, Dorcas Oyedepo, was a devout Christian from the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement.Bishop David Oyedepo was largely raised by his grandmother, who was a devout Christian. She introduced him to the teachings of the Bible and a strong life of prayer. His early religious experiences under her care laid the foundation for his spiritual convictions.
Bishop David Oyedepo attended Kwara State Polytechnic, where he obtained a degree in architecture. After graduation, he worked briefly with the Federal Ministry of Housing in Ilorin, but he soon felt the call to full-time ministry. He earned a Ph.D. in Human Development from Honolulu University, Hawaii, USA (an unaccredited institution), and began his journey into Christian leadership.
Divine Call to Ministry
In May 1981, Bishop David Oyedepo claimed to have received a vision from God. In this vision, he was told to “liberate the world from all oppression of the devil through the preaching of the word of faith.” This vision, which he refers to as the “Mandate”, became the guiding force of his ministry. Following this experience, Bishop David Oyedepo, along with his wife, Faith Abiola Oyedepo, founded Living Faith Church Worldwide in 1981 in Kaduna, northern Nigeria. The church began as a small fellowship of believers but quickly grew as his teachings on faith, prosperity, healing, and deliverance resonated with a wide audience.
Growth of Winners’ Chapel and the Faith Tabernacle
In 1989, Living Faith Church’s headquarters was moved to Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. This marked the beginning of a massive expansion of the church’s influence and infrastructure. Bishop David Oyedepo’s leadership saw the construction of the Faith Tabernacle, a 50,000-seat church auditorium, which was completed in 1999. The Faith Tabernacle holds the Guinness World Record for the largest church auditorium in the world, and it regularly hosts millions of worshippers, especially during the church’s annual Shiloh event.
Under Oyedepo’s guidance, Winners’ Chapel grew from a single church to a vast network with thousands of branches spread across Nigeria, Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. Oyedepo is the spiritual leader of this global ministry, with its mission rooted in evangelism, faith teachings, and what is often referred to as the prosperity gospel, which emphasizes financial prosperity, divine healing, and victorious Christian living.
Educational Initiatives
Beyond his work as a pastor, Bishop David Oyedepo has made significant contributions to the field of education in Nigeria. In 2002, he founded Covenant University in Ota, a private Christian university that has become one of Nigeria’s top universities. Known for its emphasis on academic excellence, spiritual growth, and innovation, Covenant University has produced graduates who have excelled in various fields across the globe. The university is often ranked as one of the best in Africa and is well-regarded for its rigorous academic standards and Christian ethos.
In 2011, Bishop David Oyedepo expanded his educational endeavors by founding Landmark University in Kwara State, which focuses on agricultural innovation and development, with the goal of fostering self-sufficiency in Nigeria and beyond.
Through his network of primary and secondary schools, known as Kingdom Heritage Model Schools and Faith Academy, Bishop David Oyedepo is deeply invested in shaping future generations with a strong foundation of Christian values and academic excellence.
According to Forbes, Bishop David Oyedepo is the wealthiest preacher in the world with a net worth of over US$150 million.The church owns four private jets and several buildings, including in London and the US. Bishop David Oyedepo is an author and publisher who has written over 70 titles apart from periodicals. He is the chairman or publisher of Dominion Publishing House (DPH), a publishing arm of the ministry. DPH has over 4 million prints in circulation to date. Through Bishop David Oyedepo; Covenant University, Faith Academy, and Kingdom Heritage Model Schools have been established to equip the youth for global impact. The construction of a third university named Crown University is already underway, located in Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria.
The Ark Project
In 2021, Oyedepo embarked on one of his most ambitious projects yet: the construction of The Ark, a massive 100,000-seat auditorium that will surpass the size of the existing Faith Tabernacle. The Ark, also known as the Legacy Project, is set to become one of the largest Christian worship centers in the world once completed. It represents Oyedepo’s vision of creating a lasting legacy that will serve future generations of worshippers.
Theology and Teachings
Bishop Oyedepo is best known for his teachings on faith, prosperity, divine health, and financial abundance. He is a major proponent of the Word of Faith movement, which emphasizes the power of the spoken word, faith in God’s promises, and the believer’s ability to shape their destiny through positive declarations and adherence to biblical principles.
His teachings have sometimes drawn criticism for their focus on material prosperity, a doctrine known as the prosperity gospel. Critics argue that this emphasis on wealth overshadows other important aspects of Christianity, such as humility and service. However, Bishop David Oyedepo’s followers view him as a powerful leader whose teachings have transformed their lives, bringing them spiritual and material blessings.
His messages are broadcast on various television networks and through social media, reaching millions of people globally. He is also a prolific author, having written over 70 books on topics ranging from faith to family life, finances, and Christian living.
The teachings of Bishop David Oyedepo have put him in the category of what is commonly called the Word of Faith Movement. He has referred to principal exponents of the Faith Movement such as Kenneth Copeland, Gloria Copeland, the late Kenneth Hagin, E. W. Kenyon, T. L. Osborn, Smith Wigglesworth as well as renowned Nigerian preachers; Enoch Adeboye and the late Benson Idahosa as mentors. As with many of his influences, Oyedepo has been described as a preacher of the prosperity gospel.
Winners’ Chapel International operates a Bible training program known as the Word of Faith Bible Institute for members and non-members alike to develop knowledge of Christian principles as well as to develop leaders and future pastors. The institute is run in major branches of the Church. Bishop David Oyedepo is the president of David Oyedepo Ministries International (DOMI). DOMI is the umbrella organisation comprising Living Faith Church World Wide (a global network of churches), World Mission Agency (WMA); the global missionary arm of the church’s operations, Dominion Publishing House; the publishing arm of the church, Covenant University, and the Social Development Missions projects – made up of hospitals, maternity homes, schools, etc.
Family Life
David Oyedepo is married to Faith Abiola Oyedepo, and their marriage has been a cornerstone of his ministry. The couple has four children: David Oyedepo Jr., Isaac Oyedepo, Love Oyedepo-Ogah, and Joyce Oyedepo. Both David Jr. and Isaac are actively involved in the ministry, serving as pastors in the Winners’ Chapel network, with David Oyedepo Jr. serving as the resident pastor at the headquarters in Ota.
Social Contributions and Legacy
Apart from his ministry and educational endeavors, Oyedepo has also contributed to social causes through the David Oyedepo Foundation, which focuses on providing scholarships, healthcare, and other forms of aid to underprivileged communities in Africa.
He is regarded as one of the wealthiest pastors in the world, with significant real estate holdings, publishing companies, educational institutions, and a private jet fleet. Despite this wealth, Oyedepo remains a highly influential spiritual leader whose work continues to impact millions of people.
Bishop David Oyedepo’s life and work are a testament to his vision, faith, and commitment to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through his Living Faith Church Worldwide ministry, educational institutions, and social initiatives, Oyedepo has built a legacy that transcends religious boundaries. His influence on African Christianity, particularly within Pentecostalism, is immense, and his teachings on faith, prosperity, and leadership have shaped the lives of millions around the world. His ambition to create lasting institutions, such as Covenant University and The Ark, ensure that his influence will continue for generations to come.
David Oyedepo Day of Service (DODOS)
The DODOS is an initiative set up by the Covenant University Alumni Association to promote the contributions and lifestyle of Oyedepo. Starting on 27 September 2012, Bishop David Oyedepo’s birthday, people around the world who connect with this initiative are expected to show an act of contribution to individuals, organizations, or society at large.