David Oyedepo is a Nigerian clergyman who founded the Living Faith Church Worldwide and serves as the presiding Bishop of the Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
The church is commonly referred to as Winners’ Chapel International.
Early life and Education 
David Olaniyi Oyedepo was born on September 27, 1954, in Osogbo, Nigeria, although he hails from Omu-Aran in the Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. He grew up in a household with diverse religious influences. His father, Ibrahim, practiced Islam as a healer, while his mother, Dorcas, was a member of the Holy Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church (C&S), a branch of the Aladura movement in Nigeria. Raised by his grandmother in Osogbo, he was introduced to the Christian faith through early morning prayers and was taught the significance of tithing.
Oyedepo pursued his studies in architecture at the Kwara State Polytechnic in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. Additionally, he obtained a PhD in Human Development from Honolulu University in Hawaii, USA.
Career
After a brief stint at the Federal Ministry of Housing in Ilorin, Oyedepo made the decision to resign in order to focus his efforts on missionary work.
Oyedepo underwent a spiritual transformation in 1969, guided by his teacher Betty Lasher, which led him to embrace Christianity. In May 1981, he received a divine mandate during an 18-hour vision to spread the message of faith and liberation, laying the foundation for the establishment of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (formerly known as Liberation Faith Hour Ministries) in 1981.
In 1983, Pastor Enoch Adeboye ordained David and his wife, Florence Abiola Akano, as pastors, and the church was officially commissioned. Five years later, he was ordained as a Bishop by Archbishop Benson Idahosa. The church, initially founded in Kaduna, later relocated to Lagos in obedience to what Oyedepo believed to be divine instructions.
Regarded as one of the world’s wealthiest preachers by Forbes, Oyedepo oversees a vast empire that includes multiple private jets, buildings across the globe, and a publishing company, Dominion Publishing House. Through his initiatives, institutions like Covenant University, Faith Academy, and Kingdom Heritage Model Schools were established to empower youth for global impact.
In 1998, Oyedepo was directed by God to construct a new headquarters for his ministry, leading to the acquisition of the expansive Canaanland. This estate in Ota, Ogun state, encompasses various facilities, including the renowned 50,000-seat Faith Tabernacle. Canaanland also hosts educational institutions, residential areas, and for-profit ventures operated by the church.
The ministry’s flagship event, Shiloh, draws thousands of attendees worldwide annually. Currently, the ministry is undertaking the construction of a colossal 100,000-seater auditorium known as the “Ark,” touted to have the largest span in the world.
Oyedepo’s teachings align him with the Word of Faith Movement, alongside prominent figures like Kenneth Copeland, Gloria Copeland, Kenneth Hagin, E. W. Kenyon, T. L. Osborn, and Smith Wigglesworth. He also acknowledges the influence of Nigerian preachers such as Enoch Adeboye and the late Benson Idahosa. His preaching often falls within the framework of the prosperity gospel, a belief system that emphasizes spiritual and material prosperity.
Under the umbrella of Winners’ Chapel International, Oyedepo oversees the Word of Faith Bible Institute, designed to educate both members and non-members in Christian principles and leadership development.
As the president of David Oyedepo Ministries International (DOMI), Oyedepo leads various arms of the organization, including Living Faith Church Worldwide, World Mission Agency, Dominion Publishing House, Covenant University, and Social Development Missions projects, which encompass hospitals, maternity homes, and schools.
Personal life
In August 1982, Oyedepo married Florence Abiola Akano, now known as Faith Oyedepo. They are blessed with four children: David Jr, Isaac, Love, and Joyce. David Oyedepo Jr and Isaac Oyedepo were ordained as pastors in May 2007 by Kenneth Copeland. David Oyedepo Jr, along with his wife Kemi, previously pastored the London Branch of the Church but is now the resident pastor of Faith Tabernacle in Ota. Isaac Oyedepo, along with his wife Ayomitide, formerly pastored Winners’ Chapel International Mitchellville, Maryland, in the United States. Love, the first daughter, is married to Stephen Ogah, who also pastors in Winners’ Chapel. Joyce Priscilla, the youngest child and second daughter, married Abimbola Abodunrin in 2020.
Net Worth
Undisclosed