At a Glance
- David Oyedepo leads Living Faith Church with global reach, millions of members, and vast institutions.
- His empire spans education, publishing, and media, redefining Pentecostal Christianity in Africa and beyond.
- Oyedepo funds scholarships and community programs through his foundation, supporting education and health care.
Born in Osogbo in 1954, Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo has risen from modest roots to become Africa’s wealthiest pastor and one of its most influential Christian leaders.
As the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel, he oversees a ministry with millions of members, sprawling institutions, and assets often compared to those of a major corporation.
At the heart of his work is Canaanland in Ota, Ogun State—home to Faith Tabernacle, a 50,000-seat auditorium once recognized as the world’s largest church.
From there, Oyedepo directs a network of universities, schools, publishing houses, and media platforms, blending faith and business in ways that have reshaped Pentecostal Christianity in Africa.
From classrooms to the pulpit
Trained as an architect at Kwara State Polytechnic, Oyedepo began his career as a teacher. In 1981, he says he experienced a divine call to “liberate the world through the preaching of faith.”
That vision led to the birth of Winners’ Chapel in Kaduna, which has since spread to more than 60 countries across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Education and enterprise
Oyedepo serves as Chancellor of Covenant University and Landmark University, two of Nigeria’s most prominent private institutions, in addition to running Faith Academy and other schools.
His church also owns Dominion Publishing House, which has distributed dozens of his books on faith, prosperity, and leadership. This network of schools, publishing, and media has made him both a preacher and an entrepreneur.
Wealth and Assets
Bishop Oyedepo has never disclosed his personal finances, yet he is consistently ranked among the world’s richest pastors. In 2018, Forbes estimated his net worth at around $150 million—an unverifiable figure, but one that placed him at the very top of the global list.
In sermons, he has even suggested he is richer than commonly reported. Media accounts frequently link him to private jets, extensive real estate, and vast church-owned enterprises, from universities to publishing houses.
While neither he nor Living Faith Church release audited financial statements, the scale of his institutions—along with his visible lifestyle—continues to spark debate about the true size of his fortune.
Philanthropy and outreach
Through the David Oyedepo Foundation, he funds scholarships for African students and backs health care, rural education, and disaster relief—including support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His universities also run leadership and mentorship programs aimed at raising future professionals and community leaders.
Criticism and scrutiny
As with many high-profile businessmen and pastors, Oyedepo has faced scrutiny. In 2013, UK regulators reviewed Winners’ Chapel’s charity operations but found no misappropriation.
In 2021, the Pandora Papers linked him to offshore firms reportedly set up for his family, sparking questions about transparency though no wrongdoing was established.
Critics also point to the tension between his prosperity message and the image of lavish spending. Yet, his following has remained loyal.
Redefining African Christianity
Oyedepo’s influence goes beyond financial estimates. He has shaped modern African Pentecostalism by combining mass evangelism with investments in education and enterprise. His model has inspired younger pastors and influenced worship practices across the continent.
From a small fellowship in Kaduna to a worldwide movement, Bishop David O. Oyedepo’s journey is one of faith, ambition, and conviction—marking him as not only a pastor, but also a defining figure in Africa’s spiritual and social landscape.
