Dignitaries and people from different walks of life graced the 70th birthday celebration of the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide Bishop David Oyedepo on Friday at Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State.
Among the notable faces at the event were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Some of the clerics who were present were Bishop David Abioye and wife, Pastor Sam Adeyemi and wife, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Pastor David Ibiyeomie and Pastor Paul Enenche.
According to unconfirmed reports, Oyedepo was gifted two Rolls Royce Cullinan cars for his birthday.
Speaking at the event, Obasanjo said: “This day is a great day for Bishop Oyedepo and his family. He started something small in Lagos and then came to Ota, building something that has put Ota on the map of Nigeria, Africa and the world.”
He welcomed the cleric to the “club of septuagenarians”.
Archbishop Margaret Idahosa, widow of Archbishop Benson Idahosa, also shared her gratitude, describing him as an “elephant” and father to many who have benefitted from his generosity.
She acknowledged Oyedepo’s constant support through various challenges, highlighting the relationship he maintained with her husband before his demise.
Head of the Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, congratulated the celebrant on a life of resilience and commitment.“This is just the beginning. Many more years await you,” he added.
Pastor Enoch Adeboye delivered a sermon at the occasion. He expressed joy for Oyedepo’s life, saying, “Only the living can praise the Lord. We are here today because of the impact of the bishop’s life and teachings.
“We are here today because the bishop can hear from God. It takes somebody who can hear from the Holy Spirit to start this big work in Ota.
“In the past, Ota was the headquarters of witches. And when you want to say somebody is extremely wicked, you will say he is as wicked as Ota witches.”
In his address, the celebrant said he does not consider himself an achiever.
“I am not an achiever as you may think. I am only a blessed partaker of the manifold grace of God. I am not an icon as some may think. I am only representative of the icon of icons, Jesus Christ who is my saviour and the glory,” he said.
