Former Kogi State Senator Dino Melaye has explained his absence from Shiloh 2024, the annual gathering of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, citing concerns over the absence of Bishop David Abioye.
In a series of posts on his social media account on Sunday, Melaye criticised the church’s leadership for retiring Bishop Abioye, one of its senior pastors, while founder Bishop David Oyedepo, who is older, continues to lead.
“I did not attend Shiloh 2024. Because Shiloh without Bishop Abioye is somehow. I can’t understand why Bishop Oyedepo, who is older, is not retired, and it is Bishop Abioye who is younger that should be forcefully retired,” Melaye wrote.
He alleged the decision was man-made and not divine, adding, “God did not retire Abioye, only Oyedepo did. Let’s watch.”
Shiloh 2024 was held from December 10 to 15, and earlier reports confirmed the retirement of two vice presidents of the church, Abioye and Thomas Aremu, after decades of service.
While Oyedepo urged critics to respect the church’s internal decisions, Melaye’s remarks have reignited debates about succession and leadership transitions within religious organizations.
Abioye, in November, announced that he would reveal his next steps soon, while Aremu reflected on his journey and ruled out establishing a separate church after retirement.
