Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel), marked his 70th birthday on September 27 in a grand celebration at the church’s headquarters in Ota, Ogun State.
The event, which saw dignitaries, clergy, and family members in attendance, stood in contrast to the ongoing economic challenges many Nigerians face, including his church members under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
While the auditorium brimmed with guests dressed in white and blue, celebrating with the renowned cleric, some members of his church and other Nigerians continue to grapple with rising food prices and widespread hardship. The economic downturn has left many struggling to afford basic necessities, with some even going to bed hungry.
Despite calling on his congregation to focus on soul-winning as a birthday gift, Bishop Oyedepo received several lavish presents, including a Rolls Royce Cullinan and a donation of N1 billion, which will go towards feeding 50,000 people at the church’s Canaanland.
Earlier, President Bola Tinubu commended Oyedepo for his leadership and the impact of his church on education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
During the celebration, which featured performances by gospel artists Adeyinka Alaseyori and Nathaniel Bassey, Oyedepo expressed gratitude to God for his life and achievements. “I am simply fronting for Him. He is the one behind the scenes working 24 hours every day,” he said, acknowledging God’s grace as the driving force behind his success.
Oyedepo’s wife also took the opportunity to express pride in her husband, wishing for a mansion beside his in heaven.
Prominent figures at the event included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, governors Dapo Abiodun, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Lagos, Ogun, and Delta states respectively, as well as top religious leaders like the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and his wife, Foluke. Other notable clerics such as Poju Oyemade, Jerry Eze, and Matthew Ashimolowo were also in attendance.
While the celebrations were marked with opulence and admiration, the disparity between the grandeur of the occasion and the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians underlined the growing concerns about wealth inequality and governance in the country.
