David Oyedepo Biography
David Oyedepo Early Life
David Oyedepo Biography – David Olaniyi Oyedepo was born on September 27, 1954, in Osogbo, Nigeria, but hails originally from Omu-Aran in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. He was raised in a religiously diverse home, his father, Ibrahim, was a Muslim herbalist, while his mother, Dorcas, followed the Aladura tradition, specifically the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church. During his upbringing in Osogbo, his grandmother played a pivotal role in shaping his Christian faith, guiding him to early morning prayers and instilling in him the importance of tithing.
David Oyedepo pursued architectural studies at the Ilorin campus of Kwara State Polytechnic and later earned a Ph.D. in Human Development from Honolulu University in Hawaii.
Profile
- Full Name: David Olaniyi Oyedepo
- Date of Birth: September 27, 1954
- State of Origin: Kwara State (Omu-Aran)
- Place of Birth: Osogbo, Nigeria
- Spouse: Faith Abiola Oyedepo
- Occupation: Pastor, Author, Educator, Minister, Architect
- Parents: Ibrahim and Dorcas Oyedepo
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Estimated Net Worth: $150 million
David Oyedepo Career
Before committing fully to ministry, David Oyedepo worked briefly with the Federal Ministry of Housing in Ilorin. His spiritual transformation began in 1969 under the influence of his teacher, Betty Lasher, who guided him toward Christianity. In May 1981, he claimed to have received an 18-hour divine vision commanding him to liberate humanity from satanic oppression through the preaching of faith, a mandate that led to the founding of the Liberation Faith Hour Ministries, now known as Living Faith Church Worldwide (LFCWW).
He and his wife, Faith Abiola Oyedepo (née Florence Abiola Akano), were ordained as pastors by Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God on September 17, 1983. In 1988, Archbishop Benson Idahosa consecrated him as a bishop.
The ministry, originally based in Kaduna, was moved to Lagos in 1989 following divine instructions. In 1998, David Oyedepo said he was led by God to establish a headquarters, resulting in the acquisition of a 530-acre land known as Canaanland in Ota, Ogun State. It houses the Faith Tabernacle, a 50,000-seat auditorium completed within a year and listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The structure was completed debt-free and was inaugurated on September 18, 1999, under President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Canaanland now spans over 17,000 acres and includes Covenant University (with over 7,000 students), Faith Academy, Kingdom Heritage Model School, various commercial enterprises, banks, and housing for staff. It also serves as the venue for “Shiloh,” the ministry’s largest annual gathering.
A new 100,000-seat structure, “The Ark,” is under construction and is anticipated to have the world’s widest span.
David Oyedepo Spiritual Influences
David Oyedepo is associated with the Word of Faith Movement and credits mentors such as Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Kenneth Hagin, E.W. Kenyon, T.L. Osborn, Smith Wigglesworth, as well as Nigerian pastors like Enoch Adeboye and the late Benson Idahosa, as major influences. His teachings reflect the prosperity gospel message common among these figures.
The church also runs the Word of Faith Bible Institute to train leaders and promote Christian values.
He is the president of David Oyedepo Ministries International (DOMI), which oversees various arms including Living Faith Church Worldwide, World Mission Agency, Dominion Publishing House, Covenant University, Landmark University, and multiple humanitarian initiatives.
David Oyedepo Personal Life
Forbes identifies David Oyedepo as the world’s wealthiest preacher, with assets exceeding $150 million. His ministry owns private jets and international properties. He established Covenant University, Faith Academy, and Kingdom Heritage Model Schools to empower youth. A third university, Crown University, is being developed in Calabar, Cross River State.
He frequently criticizes corruption and poor leadership across Africa and has been openly critical of President Muhammadu Buhari.
David Oyedepo Day of Service (DODOS)
Launched by the Covenant University Alumni Association in 2012 to honor David Oyedepos legacy, DODOS encourages participants to positively impact others through acts of service, aligning with his values.
David Oyedepo Family and Marriage
David Oyedepo married Florence Abiola Akano (now Faith Oyedepo) in 1982. They have four children: David Jr., Isaac, Love, and Joyce. In 2007, Kenneth Copeland anointed David Jr. and Isaac as pastors. Isaac leads the Maryland, USA branch, while David Jr. formerly pastored the Faith Tabernacle. Love is married to Pastor Stephen Ogah, and Joyce married Abimbola Abodunrin in 2020.
David Oyedepo Controversies
- Assault on Journalists and Officials: In 2013, Ogun State officials and journalists were attacked while delivering a notice at Winners’ Chapel. Allegedly, David Oyedepo was present but did not intervene. The church compensated the victims and denied Oyedepo’s involvement.
- 2017 Viral Video: A resurfaced video showed David Oyedepo urging members to kill potential attackers from Boko Haram. The church clarified that the video was from 2015 and not in response to Southern Kaduna attacks.
- Political Remarks (2015): Before the general elections, David Oyedepo was accused of threatening opponents of President Jonathan with “the gates of hell.” He later clarified he was referring to enemies of Nigeria and called for national peace.
- Pastor Dismissals (2021): Forty pastors were reportedly fired for underperformance. While the church denied financial reasons, it emphasized performance standards and effectiveness.
David Oyedepo Publications
Oyedepo has authored over 70 books and is the head of Dominion Publishing House, launched in 1992. Notable titles include:
- The Wisdom That Works
- The Unlimited Power of Faith
- Understanding Financial Prosperity
- Anointing for Exploits
- Walking in Dominion, among many others.
- Winning the War Against Poverty
- Understanding Divine Direction
- Over 4 million copies have been distributed.
David Oyedepo Awards and Honors
David Oyedepo humanitarian and spiritual work has earned him numerous accolades:
- Featured in the 13th Edition of International Who is Who of Intellectuals
- Inducted into the Jerusalem 3000 Scroll
- Man of Dignity by Global Care International
- Frontline Christian Author by ECOWAS
- Named by Forbes in 2011 as Nigeria’s richest pastor
- President of World Mission Agency Incorporated, active in over 40 countries
- Honorary Doctorates from institutions in the U.S. and Nigeria
David Oyedepo Social Media
- Instagram: @davidoyedepomin
- Twitter: @Bspoyedepo
David Oyedepo Net Worth
Forbes estimates David Oyedepo net worth at over $150 million, making him the richest preacher globally.