Bishop David Oyedepo Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Education, Ministry, and Achievements

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Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo is a Nigerian preacher, author, and founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners’ Chapel International. He is also the Chancellor of Covenant University and Landmark University, two of Nigeria’s leading private institutions.

Recognized as one of Africa’s most influential Christian leaders, Bishop Oyedepo is known for his dynamic preaching, visionary leadership, and emphasis on faith, prosperity, and excellence. His impact spans religion, education, and humanitarian work, earning him global recognition.

This biography provides a detailed look into his life — from his humble beginnings to becoming one of the most respected Christian figures in the world — while following a factual, formal, and AdSense-safe presentation.

Early Life and Background

David Olaniyi Oyedepo was born on September 27, 1954, in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria. He was born into a mixed religious family; his father, Ibrahim Oyedepo, was a Muslim, while his mother, Dorcas Oyedepo, was a devout Christian.

Raised primarily by his mother, David grew up in a disciplined environment where prayer, hard work, and education were highly valued. His early exposure to Christian teachings would later shape his spiritual foundation and divine calling.

Growing up, he was known for his intelligence and curiosity about life’s mysteries. Even as a young boy, he displayed leadership qualities and a deep interest in moral values — traits that would later define his ministry.

Education

Bishop Oyedepo attended Community Secondary School, Omu-Aran, for his early education before proceeding to Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, where he studied Architecture.

He later obtained a Ph.D. in Human Development from Honolulu University, Hawaii, USA, reflecting his lifelong commitment to personal growth and education.

Before fully committing to ministry, Oyedepo worked briefly with the Federal Ministry of Housing in Ilorin. However, his passion for preaching and helping others discover their purpose soon led him into full-time ministry.

Spiritual Journey and Call to Ministry

Bishop Oyedepo gave his life to Christ in 1969 at the age of 15. His spiritual transformation began during a revival led by missionary teacher Betty Lasher, who deeply influenced his Christian growth.

In May 1981, during an intense prayer retreat, he claimed to have received a divine vision where God said to him:

“The hour has come to liberate the world from all oppression of the devil through the preaching of the Word of Faith.”

This marked the beginning of what would later become Living Faith Church Worldwide.

The church started officially on December 11, 1983, in Kaduna State, Nigeria, with just a handful of members. From those small beginnings, it grew rapidly, spreading across Nigeria and into other nations.

Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel International)

Under Bishop Oyedepo’s leadership, Living Faith Church Worldwide has become one of the largest Pentecostal churches globally.

The church’s international headquarters, known as Faith Tabernacle, is located in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. The auditorium, dedicated in 1999, seats 50,000 people and was once listed by the Guinness World Records as the largest church auditorium in the world.

Canaanland is more than just a church facility — it’s a 10,000-hectare Christian community that houses:

Covenant University
Faith Academy (secondary school)
Kingdom Heritage Model Schools
Dominion Publishing House
Living Faith residential estates
The headquarters of Winners’ Chapel International

Today, Winners’ Chapel has over 20,000 branches in Nigeria and operates in more than 150 countries around the world.

Major Church Programs

Bishop Oyedepo leads several impactful programs that attract millions of worshippers yearly, including:

Shiloh: The church’s annual prophetic gathering held every December, attended by delegates from across the world.
Faith Tabernacle Services: Weekly Sunday and midweek services broadcast live to global audiences.
Covenant Hour of Prayer & Word of Faith Bible Institute (WOFBI): Training programs for believers and ministers.
Operation By All Means & Soul-Winning Crusades: Evangelistic outreaches that emphasize salvation and faith-based living.

Teachings and Doctrines

Bishop David Oyedepo’s ministry emphasizes faith, prosperity, holiness, and vision-driven living. He is often described as a faith preacher who inspires believers to live in the reality of God’s promises.

His central teachings include:

Faith and the Word of God – Faith is the key to victory in every aspect of life.
Prosperity and Dominion – God’s will is for His people to live in abundance and impact others.
Vision and Excellence – Believers are to live purposefully and pursue excellence in all they do.
Holiness and Righteous Living – True success is built on godly character and moral integrity.

Through his messages, he challenges individuals to break limitations, live by scriptural principles, and transform society.

Family and Marriage

Bishop Oyedepo is married to Pastor (Mrs.) Faith Abiola Oyedepo, his lifelong ministry partner and strong pillar of support. They got married on August 21, 1982, and their marriage has become a model for Christian homes.

Their union is blessed with four children:

David Oyedepo Jr. – Resident Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Ota, and Vice President of Living Faith Church.
Isaac Oyedepo – Senior Pastor of Winners’ Chapel International, USA (previously in South Africa).
Love Oyedepo Ogah – Married to Pastor Stephen Ogah, a key minister in the church.
Joyce Oyedepo – Also active in ministry and youth development initiatives.

The Oyedepo family is widely admired for their unity, humility, and dedication to kingdom service.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Bishop David Oyedepo’s estimated net worth is between $150 million and $200 million, making him one of the richest pastors in the world.

His wealth comes from several legitimate sources:

Church enterprises (through Living Faith and its global branches)
Educational institutions (Covenant and Landmark Universities)
Dominion Publishing House (sales of books and devotionals)
Personal investments in real estate and agriculture

Despite his wealth, Bishop Oyedepo is known for his philanthropy and discipline. He funds scholarships for students, supports orphanages, and sponsors social development projects across Nigeria.

Books and Publications

Bishop Oyedepo is a prolific author with over 90 published books translated into multiple languages. His works cover faith, leadership, success, family, and spiritual growth.

Some of his most popular titles include:

The Winning Wisdom
Understanding Financial Prosperity
Anointing for Breakthrough
Success Systems
Pillars of Destiny
The Miracle Seed
Understanding Vision
Born to Win
Walking in the Miraculous
The Wisdom That Works

These books have sold millions of copies and are used in Bible colleges and leadership programs worldwide.

Educational Contributions

Bishop Oyedepo’s commitment to education is evident through his institutions:

Covenant University (CU) – Established in 2002, it is ranked among Africa’s best universities, known for excellence in research, innovation, and leadership.
Landmark University (LU) – Founded in 2011, it focuses on agricultural transformation and youth empowerment.
Faith Academy & Kingdom Heritage Schools – Providing quality Christian education at secondary and primary levels.

His vision is to raise a generation of intellectually sound and spiritually grounded leaders who will shape society positively.

Humanitarian and Social Impact

Through the David Oyedepo Foundation (DOF), the Bishop has carried out several humanitarian projects, including:

Scholarship programs for African students (over 2,000 beneficiaries so far).
Food and relief initiatives for the poor.
Rural development and health outreach programs.
Empowerment programs for widows and orphans.

His foundation partners with global organizations to support education and community growth in Africa.

Awards and Recognitions

Bishop David Oyedepo’s achievements have earned him both local and international recognition.

Some notable honors include:

Honorary Doctorates from universities in Nigeria and abroad.
Most Influential African Pastor (Forbes, 2020).
Leadership Excellence Award for contributions to education and ministry.
Recognized among Africa’s 100 Most Reputable Persons (2023).

He has been a keynote speaker at global Christian and leadership conferences, where he continues to inspire leaders and believers alike.

Controversies

As a public figure, Bishop Oyedepo has faced criticism, mainly surrounding his teachings on prosperity and his church’s financial structure.

However, he has consistently maintained that his wealth and the church’s growth are products of faith, hard work, and divine principles, not exploitation.

He avoids political affiliations but occasionally comments on national issues, urging Nigerians to live righteously and promote justice.

Height and Personality

Bishop Oyedepo stands approximately 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) tall. He is known for his energetic preaching style, confident voice, and graceful presence.

Despite his global status, he maintains a disciplined routine centered around prayer, study, and family life. His humility, consistency, and visionary leadership continue to set him apart among global Christian leaders.

Legacy and Influence

Bishop Oyedepo’s legacy is deeply rooted in faith, education, and nation-building. His influence extends far beyond the pulpit:

Raising Generational Leaders: Through mentorship and his educational institutions.
Global Evangelism: His messages reach millions across continents through TV, online platforms, and literature.
Infrastructure Development: Transforming Ota, Ogun State, into a spiritual and educational hub through Canaanland.

He often says,

“You cannot have a heart for God and not have time for people.”

This philosophy defines both his ministry and humanitarian service.

Conclusion

Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo stands as a symbol of vision, discipline, and faith in action. From humble beginnings in Kwara State to leading one of the world’s largest Christian ministries, his journey is a story of divine purpose and dedication.

Through Living Faith Church Worldwide, Covenant University, and his numerous books, he continues to inspire millions to live with purpose, integrity, and unshakable faith.

As of 2025, Bishop Oyedepo remains active in ministry, mentoring leaders, and expanding the reach of the gospel globally. His life and legacy serve as a timeless reminder that faith, when combined with vision and diligence, can transform generations.