Bishop David Oyedepo: Biography, Net Worth & Ministry Highlights

When you talk about influential pastors in Nigeria and Africa at large, Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo will almost always top the list. Known as the founder and presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also called Winners’ Chapel, Bishop Oyedepo has grown from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most renowned Christian leaders in the world.

Today, his influence is not only spiritual but also educational, economic, and humanitarian. With a ministry that spans continents, a network of schools and universities, and a global audience, Bishop Oyedepo’s story is one of faith, vision, and resilience.

In this article, we’ll explore his biography, net worth, and key ministry highlights, while showing how his life’s work has made an undeniable mark on Nigeria and beyond.

Early Life and Background

Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo was born on September 27, 1954, in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria. He hails from a mixed religious background — his father, Ibrahim Oyedepo, was a Muslim, while his mother, Dorcas Oyedepo, was a devout Christian.

Raised primarily by his grandmother, Bishop Oyedepo was introduced early to Christian values, prayer, and regular church attendance. His grandmother, a member of the Anglican Church, played a crucial role in shaping his early faith.

Education and Early Career

Bishop Oyedepo’s educational journey began in Kwara State, after which he attended Ilorin Grammar School. He later studied Architecture at the Kwara State Polytechnic and graduated in 1979.

After his studies, he worked briefly with the Federal Ministry of Housing in Ilorin. However, even as an architect, he always had a passion for the gospel, often engaging in evangelistic activities and Christian fellowships.

Call to Ministry

Bishop Oyedepo’s life took a defining turn on May 1, 1981. He claims that God gave him a vision of liberating the world from the oppression of the devil through the preaching of the Word of Faith. This vision became the foundation of what would later grow into the Living Faith Church Worldwide.

Soon after receiving the vision, he began holding fellowship meetings, teaching the principles of faith, prosperity, and dominion. These meetings started with just a handful of people but quickly expanded due to the relevance and power of his messages.

Founding of Living Faith Church Worldwide

In 1983, Bishop Oyedepo and his wife, Faith Abiola Oyedepo, moved to Kaduna, where they officially started Living Faith Church Worldwide. In 1989, the church headquarters was relocated to Lagos, and later, in 1999, it moved to its present location in Ota, Ogun State — the Faith Tabernacle.

Today, Living Faith Church has branches in over 65 countries, making it one of the largest Pentecostal networks in the world.

The Faith Tabernacle

One of Bishop Oyedepo’s most remarkable achievements is the construction of the Faith Tabernacle, which, at the time of its completion in 1999, was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest church auditorium in the world — with a capacity of 50,000 seats.

Faith Tabernacle is part of Canaanland, a 5,000-acre church complex in Ota, which also houses:

Covenant University

Faith Academy

A publishing house (Dominion Publishing House)

Residential facilities for staff and members

Business ventures owned by the ministry

Ministry Highlights & Achievements

1. Education Initiatives

Bishop Oyedepo has invested heavily in education through institutions such as:

Covenant University – One of Nigeria’s leading private universities, known for academic excellence.

Landmark University – Located in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, focusing on agriculture and entrepreneurship.

Faith Academy – Secondary schools with branches across Nigeria.

Numerous Kingdom Heritage Model Schools for primary education.

2. Global Expansion

Living Faith Church now operates in multiple continents with thousands of satellite branches in Nigeria alone.

3. Shiloh

The annual Shiloh program draws millions of worshippers from across the world, both physically and online. It is a prophetic gathering for spiritual renewal, miracles, and vision setting.

4. Dominion Publishing House

Bishop Oyedepo has authored over 100 Christian books, many of which are published through his ministry’s Dominion Publishing House. Popular titles include:

Understanding Financial Prosperity

The Winning Wisdom

Anointing for Breakthrough

Pillars of Destiny

5. Philanthropy

Through scholarships, community development projects, and humanitarian aid, Bishop Oyedepo’s ministry has supported thousands of students, orphans, and struggling families.

Preaching Style and Influence

Bishop Oyedepo is known for his bold, faith-filled preaching. His messages emphasize:

Faith in God’s Word

Prosperity and abundance through covenant principles

Dominion over life’s challenges

The importance of vision, diligence, and excellence

His teachings often combine biblical principles with practical life applications, making them relatable for everyday living.

Personal Life

Bishop David Oyedepo married Faith Abiola Oyedepo in 1982. Together, they have four children: David Jr., Isaac, Love, and Joyce.

David Oyedepo Jr. is currently a resident pastor at Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland.

Isaac Oyedepo was formerly a pastor in the US branch of Winners’ Chapel before returning to Nigeria.

The Oyedepo family is deeply involved in ministry work and has maintained a positive public image over the years.

Net Worth

Bishop David Oyedepo is widely regarded as the wealthiest pastor in Africa. His estimated net worth ranges from $150 million to $200 million.

His wealth comes from:

Book sales (millions of copies sold worldwide)

Educational institutions (Covenant and Landmark Universities, Faith Academy)

Offerings and tithes from the global ministry

Investments in publishing, real estate, and agriculture

Despite criticisms over his wealth, Oyedepo insists that prosperity is a covenant right for believers who practice biblical principles.

Impact on Nigerian Christianity

Bishop Oyedepo’s ministry has had a massive influence on Nigerian Christianity:

Redefining church infrastructure with mega-auditoriums and modern facilities

Pioneering faith-based private university education in Nigeria

Inspiring a new wave of prosperity-focused Pentecostalism

Creating jobs through ministry-owned enterprises and schools

Awards and Recognitions

Over the years, Bishop Oyedepo has received numerous awards and honors from Christian bodies, educational associations, and international organizations for his contributions to ministry and education.

Criticism and Controversies

Like most high-profile pastors, Oyedepo has faced criticisms — especially regarding prosperity preaching and the alleged commercialization of religion. However, he remains unapologetic about his message, pointing to the tangible results in the lives of many followers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is Bishop David Oyedepo?

He is the founder and presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners’ Chapel.

2. What is Bishop Oyedepo’s net worth?

His net worth is estimated between $150 million and $200 million, making him Africa’s wealthiest pastor.

3. When was Winners’ Chapel founded?

The church began in 1983 in Kaduna, Nigeria, before moving to Lagos and later to Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State.

4. What are Bishop Oyedepo’s key teachings?

His messages focus on faith, prosperity, excellence, diligence, and dominion.

5. What universities does Bishop Oyedepo own?

He is the founder of Covenant University and Landmark University.

Conclusion

Bishop David Oyedepo’s journey from a small-town boy in Kwara State to a global Christian leader is an inspiring story of vision, faith, and resilience. His work in ministry, education, and humanitarian outreach has touched millions, while his teachings on prosperity and excellence have empowered believers to rise above limitations.

Whether you agree with all his messages or not, one thing is certain — Bishop Oyedepo has left an indelible mark on the Nigerian church and the world at large.