Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel), celebrated his 70th birthday on September 27, 2024, amid an outpouring of extravagant gifts. The event, held at the church’s headquarters in Ota, Ogun State, saw the religious leader receive two Rolls-Royce Cullinan cars and a staggering N1 billion donation, sparking discussions about wealth, influence, and philanthropy in religious circles.
As the sun rose over Canaanland, the sprawling headquarters of Winners Chapel, the air was thick with anticipation. Dignitaries from across Nigeria’s political and religious landscapes began to arrive, their convoys creating a spectacle that drew onlookers from miles around.
Among the notable attendees were Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whose presence underscored the far-reaching influence of Bishop Oyedepo.
The highlight of the celebration, however, was undoubtedly the presentation of two Rolls-Royce Cullinan cars to the septuagenarian bishop. According to The Real Church Gist, a prominent Christian blog, one of these ultra-luxury vehicles was gifted by Pastor David Ibiyeomie, a well-known protégé of Oyedepo.
“The sight of those Rolls-Royces rolling into Canaanland was breathtaking,” shared an eyewitness who preferred to remain anonymous. It was like watching royalty arrive.
Adding to the day’s extravagance, reports emerged of a N1 billion donation made by one of Oyedepo’s spiritual “sons.” This generous gift, according to The Real Church Gist, was earmarked for a specific purpose:
Another one of his sons donated one billion naira towards the feeding of over 50,000 people at Canaanland during the celebration,” the blog reported, highlighting the scale of the event and its potential impact on the local community.
Meanwhile, supporters of Bishop Oyedepo pointed to his philanthropic efforts and the church’s impact on education and community development.
“Bishop Oyedepo has transformed countless lives through his ministry and educational institutions,” argued Funmi Adebayo, a long-time member of Winners Chapel. “These gifts are a testament to the impact he’s had on people’s lives.”
At the center of this lavish celebration stands Bishop David Oyedepo, a figure who has long been both celebrated and scrutinized for his teachings on prosperity and his own considerable wealth.
Born on September 27, 1954, in Osogbo, Nigeria, Oyedepo’s journey to becoming one of Africa’s most influential religious leaders has been marked by rapid church growth, expansive business ventures, and a controversial message of faith and financial blessing.
As the festivities wound down and guests departed Canaanland, questions lingered about the broader implications of such a display of wealth in a country where many struggle with poverty.
As night fell on Ota, the echoes of celebration fading into the distance, it was clear that Bishop David Oyedepo’s 70th birthday would be remembered not just for its opulence, but for the discussions it sparked about wealth, faith, and social responsibility in modern Nigeria.
Whether viewed as a deserved celebration of a influential leader or a display of excess in a time of widespread need, the event has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the landscape of Nigerian Christianity.
As one attendee put it, “This wasn’t just a birthday party; it was a statement. What that statement means, well, that’s for each of us to decide.”
