Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo is one of Africa’s most influential Christian leaders, renowned globally as the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel International). With a ministry spanning over four decades, Bishop Oyedepo has impacted millions through his teachings on faith, prosperity, and purpose, while building one of the largest church networks on the African continent.
Beyond the pulpit, he is an accomplished author of over 90 books, chancellor of two universities, and a visionary leader whose influence extends across education, media, and humanitarian work.
Quick Facts: Bishop David Oyedepo at a Glance
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Olaniyi Oyedepo |
| Date of Birth | September 27, 1954 |
| Place of Birth | Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Pastor, Author, Chancellor, Speaker |
| Education | Kwara State Polytechnic (Architecture); Honorary Doctorates from Covenant University & Oral Roberts University |
| Church | Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel) |
| Years Active | 1981 – Present |
| Spouse | Faith Abiola Oyedepo (Married 1982) |
| Children | 4 (David Jr., Isaac, Love, Joyce) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $100–$200 million (2025) |
Early Life: From Humble Beginnings to Divine Calling
Born on September 27, 1954, in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria, David Oyedepo grew up in a religiously diverse household. His father practiced Islam while his mother was a devoted Christian. This unique background exposed young David to different faith perspectives, but it was his grandmother’s unwavering Christian influence that shaped his spiritual foundation.
His grandmother regularly shared Bible stories and took him to church, planting seeds of faith that would later flourish into a global ministry.
Education and the Call to Ministry
Bishop Oyedepo pursued his tertiary education at Kwara State Polytechnic, where he studied Architecture. While many expected him to build a career in construction and design, God had different plans.
In 1981, during his time as a young professional, Oyedepo received what he describes as a divine mandate:
“To liberate the world from all forms of oppression through the preaching of the Word of Faith.”
This supernatural encounter redirected his entire life trajectory and marked the birth of one of Africa’s most impactful Christian movements.
Academic Recognition
His commitment to education and excellence earned him honorary doctorate degrees from:
- Covenant University (Nigeria)
- Oral Roberts University (United States)
These recognitions underscore his dual commitment to spiritual leadership and intellectual development.
The Birth of Winners’ Chapel: A Ministry That Changed Africa
Founding Living Faith Church Worldwide (1983)
Two years after receiving his divine mandate, Bishop Oyedepo officially founded Living Faith Church Worldwide in 1983. The ministry launched with humble beginnings in Kaduna, Nigeria, holding meetings that attracted seekers hungry for transformative teaching.
What set Winners’ Chapel apart was Oyedepo’s clear, practical approach to faith—emphasizing that biblical principles produce tangible results in everyday life.
Core Teachings That Define His Ministry
Bishop Oyedepo’s messages revolve around several key themes:
1. Dominion Through Biblical Faith Teaching believers to exercise spiritual authority over circumstances through unwavering faith in God’s Word.
2. Prosperity and Kingdom Stewardship Emphasizing that financial blessing is biblical and should be used for Kingdom advancement, not selfish consumption.
3. Healing and Supernatural Breakthrough Proclaiming God’s power to heal sickness, deliver from bondage, and perform miracles in believers’ lives.
4. Purpose, Vision, and Personal Responsibility Challenging Christians to discover their God-given purpose and take actionable steps toward fulfilling their destiny.
His fundamental message: Faith in God produces real-world transformation.
Faith Tabernacle: Building One of the World’s Largest Churches
The Canaanland Vision
Under Bishop Oyedepo’s visionary leadership, Winners’ Chapel expanded exponentially. By the year 2000, the ministry had outgrown multiple facilities, necessitating something unprecedented in Africa.
The result was Faith Tabernacle in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State—a massive worship center that became one of the largest church auditoriums in the world at the time of its completion.
Key Facts About Faith Tabernacle:
- Seating capacity: 50,400 people
- Regular attendance often exceeds capacity with overflow sections
- Hosts multiple services weekly
- Venue for international conferences and Christian gatherings
Canaanland: A Christian City with Purpose
Canaanland extends far beyond a worship center. It represents Bishop Oyedepo’s holistic vision for spiritual, educational, and social transformation. The complex includes:
Educational Institutions:
- Covenant University (Founded 2002) – A world-class private university consistently ranked among Nigeria’s best
- Landmark University (Founded 2011) – Located in Omu-Aran, focusing on agriculture and technology
- Faith Academy – A premier secondary school producing academic excellence
Infrastructure:
- Residential areas
- Banking facilities
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Recreation facilities
- Publishing house and media centers
This ambitious project reflects his belief that spiritual empowerment must align with academic excellence, leadership development, and community building.
Global Expansion: Winners’ Chapel Worldwide
From its Nigerian roots, Living Faith Church has grown into a truly global movement with:
- Branches in over 70 nations across Africa, Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania
- Thousands of local churches and mission outposts
- Millions of members worldwide
- A vibrant youth ministry called Shiloh Hour
- Annual conferences drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees
This expansion demonstrates the universal appeal of Bishop Oyedepo’s faith-based, practical approach to Christian living.
Author and Publisher: Over 90 Books and Counting
Bishop Oyedepo ranks among Africa’s most prolific Christian authors, having written more than 90 books that serve as teaching resources in churches, Bible schools, and homes worldwide.
Notable Books by Bishop David Oyedepo:
- The Winning Wisdom – Principles for victorious living
- Understanding Faith – A deep dive into the mechanics of biblical faith
- The Word of Faith – Foundation teachings of the faith movement
- Understanding Financial Prosperity – Biblical perspectives on wealth creation
- Success Systems – Practical strategies for personal achievement
- The Breakthrough Power of Vision – How clarity of purpose drives success
- Anointing for Exploits – Unlocking supernatural power
- Born to Win – Discovering your God-given potential
His books cover diverse topics including faith, leadership, marriage, prosperity, healing, and purpose. Many have been translated into multiple languages.
Media and Publishing Empire
To support his literary ministry, Bishop Oyedepo established:
- Dominion Publishing House – Publishing arm for books and teaching materials
- Domi Media – Television and radio broadcasting network
- Online platforms reaching millions through streaming services and social media
These channels ensure his teachings reach believers in remote villages and major cities alike.
Family Life: A Ministry Partnership Built on Love
Marriage to Faith Abiola Oyedepo
In 1982, David Oyedepo married Faith Abiola Oyedepo, a union that has become a model of Christian marriage and ministry partnership. Their relationship, spanning over four decades, is characterized by mutual respect, shared vision, and complementary gifting.
Pastor Faith Oyedepo is an accomplished minister, author, and speaker in her own right, focusing on marriage, family, and women’s empowerment. Together, they’ve demonstrated that strong families build strong ministries.
The Oyedepo Children: A Legacy Continued
Bishop and Pastor Oyedepo are blessed with four children, all actively involved in ministry and leadership:
- David Oyedepo Jr. – Resident Pastor at Faith Tabernacle, carrying forward his father’s vision with fresh energy and contemporary relevance
- Pastor Isaac Oyedepo – Dynamic preacher and evangelist with a passion for youth ministry
- Love Oyedepo Ogah – Speaker and Christian counselor focusing on relationships and personal development
- Joyce Oyedepo – Ministry leader and teacher committed to discipleship
The Oyedepo family exemplifies the principle that ministry begins at home, and their collective impact multiplies the founder’s vision.
Bishop David Oyedepo’s Net Worth: Wealth as Kingdom Stewardship
Estimated Wealth and Sources
As of 2025, Bishop David Oyedepo’s net worth is estimated between $100 million and $200 million, placing him among the world’s wealthiest religious leaders.
Primary Sources of Wealth:
- Book Publishing – Royalties from over 90 titles sold globally
- Educational Institutions – Revenue from Covenant University, Landmark University, and Faith Academy
- Real Estate Development – Extensive properties within Canaanland and other locations
- Church-Related Enterprises – Publishing house, media outlets, and other ministry businesses
His Philosophy on Prosperity
Bishop Oyedepo teaches that wealth is not inherently evil but rather a tool for Kingdom advancement. He emphasizes:
- Financial prosperity is biblical when pursued with the right motive
- Wealth should fund missions, education, and humanitarian work
- Christians should be excellent stewards, not consumers
- Poverty is not spiritual—abundance enables greater impact
His personal lifestyle reflects discipline and purpose-driven wealth management, with significant resources channeled into scholarships, infrastructure, and ministry expansion.
Major Achievements and Global Impact
Bishop David Oyedepo’s influence extends far beyond Sunday sermons:
Founded a global church network operating in over 70 nations
Built one of the world’s largest church auditoriums (Faith Tabernacle)
Established world-class universities that compete internationally in academic excellence
Empowered thousands through scholarships, making quality education accessible
Launched humanitarian programs providing relief during crises
Trained generations of pastors through Ministry Training Schools
Pioneered the Word of Faith movement in Africa with practical, results-oriented teaching
Created sustainable employment through educational and business ventures
His leadership model emphasizes vision, excellence, spiritual authority, and social responsibility—shaping countless leaders across denominations and sectors.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Vision-Driven Ministry
Bishop Oyedepo is renowned for his clarity of vision and unwavering commitment to executing God-given assignments. Key aspects of his leadership include:
- Strategic planning with long-term perspective
- Excellence as standard in all ministry endeavors
- Empowerment of younger leaders through mentorship
- Practical faith application connecting spirituality to everyday life
- Accountability structures ensuring integrity and sustainability
Mentorship and Legacy Building
Through Ministry Training Schools, pastoral conferences, and direct mentorship, Bishop Oyedepo has raised thousands of ministers who now lead churches and ministries globally. His investment in the next generation ensures his legacy endures beyond his lifetime.
Controversies and Public Perception
Like many high-profile religious leaders, Bishop Oyedepo has faced criticism, particularly regarding:
- Prosperity gospel teachings
- The opulence of ministry properties
- Leadership style perceived by some as authoritarian
However, supporters point to:
- Tangible impact through education and humanitarian work
- Transparent financial systems within church operations
- Biblical foundation for prosperity teachings
- Personal integrity and long-term consistency
Public opinion remains divided, but his influence and impact are undeniable.
Bishop Oyedepo’s Lasting Legacy
As Bishop David Oyedepo continues his ministry in his seventies, his legacy is firmly established:
Spiritual Impact: Millions transformed through faith-based teachings
Educational Revolution: World-class institutions changing Africa’s academic landscape
Economic Empowerment: Teaching believers to prosper and create wealth biblically
Leadership Development: Generations of pastors and leaders equipped for ministry
Architectural Vision: Monumental structures reflecting God’s greatness
Literary Contribution: A library of resources guiding believers worldwide
His life demonstrates that faith, when combined with vision, discipline, and action, produces extraordinary results that outlast a single generation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bishop David Oyedepo
1. Who is Bishop David Oyedepo? He is a Nigerian pastor, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel), and chancellor of Covenant University and Landmark University.
2. How old is Bishop David Oyedepo? Born September 27, 1954, he is currently 70 years old (as of 2025).
3. What is Bishop Oyedepo’s most famous teaching? His teachings on faith, prosperity, and dominion are most renowned, particularly the concept that biblical faith produces tangible, real-world results.
4. Is Bishop Oyedepo married? Yes, he has been married to Faith Abiola Oyedepo since 1982, and they have four children.
5. What is Bishop David Oyedepo’s net worth? His estimated net worth is between $100 million and $200 million as of 2025.
6. What is the name of Bishop Oyedepo’s church? Living Faith Church Worldwide, commonly known as Winners’ Chapel International.
7. How many books has Bishop Oyedepo written? He has authored over 90 books on faith, prosperity, leadership, and Christian living.
8. Where is Faith Tabernacle located? Faith Tabernacle is located in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
9. What universities did Bishop Oyedepo establish? He founded Covenant University (2002) and Landmark University (2011), both in Nigeria.
10. How can I access Bishop Oyedepo’s teachings? Through Winners’ Chapel services, his books, online broadcasts, television programs, and social media platforms.
Conclusion: A Life of Faith, Vision, and Impact
Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo’s journey from a young boy listening to his grandmother’s Bible stories to becoming one of the world’s most influential Christian leaders is nothing short of remarkable. His ministry represents the convergence of unwavering faith, strategic vision, and relentless execution.
Whether you agree with all his teachings or not, the numbers speak for themselves: millions impacted, thousands educated, countless lives transformed, and a legacy that will influence Christianity in Africa for generations to come.
As Winners’ Chapel continues to expand and his universities produce world-class graduates, Bishop Oyedepo’s vision of liberation through the Word of Faith continues to unfold—one believer, one student, one nation at a time.
