Patrick Doyle criticises Church’s extravagant birthday gift to Bishop Oyedepo

Veteran actor Patrick Doyle has articulated his concerns regarding the ostentatious present received by Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church, on the milestone of his 70th birthday.

It was gathered that members of the church community bestowed upon the bishop two Rolls Royce Cullinan automobiles, leading Doyle to voice his dissatisfaction with what he perceives as an insensitive display in the midst of ongoing economic difficulties in Nigeria.

In a subsequent post disseminated shortly after the birthday festivities concluded, Doyle underscored the importance of empathy in commemorating significant occasions, particularly during trying times when numerous individuals find themselves grappling with the basic necessities of life.

He articulated, “In these trying times, it is imperative that we exhibit empathy in our commemorations of noteworthy events. This is not the period to parade our opulence through our neighborhoods filled with those in need and despair.”

Drawing from his own experiences, Doyle observed that a close acquaintance of his, who possesses a Rolls Royce among other high-end vehicles, has opted to drive a more modest Ford Escape as an act of compassion towards individuals experiencing financial hardships.

He expressed disappointment in the lack of empathy demonstrated by the affluent class and proposed that the resources invested in luxury vehicles could have been more effectively utilized for community-oriented initiatives. These could include the construction of public amenities or the establishment of scholarship programs in the bishop’s name.

“While I appreciate the importance of celebrating a man like their founder, a more sensitive gesture would have been to create a socially relevant facility or institute a scholarship scheme,” he remarked. “The cost of the Rolls Royce could certainly have funded such initiatives.”

Doyle further criticized the ongoing tendency to showcase wealth and opulence, especially in a society where many struggle. He pointed out that Bishop Oyedepo, being the founder of two elite private universities, already has a substantial personal wealth, and such displays could reinforce public perceptions that he is disconnected from the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

“A more befitting birthday gift might have been the construction and equipping of a vocational training center in his name,” Doyle suggested. “This could help mitigate the impression that the founder is out of touch with the realities faced by the masses.”

In closing, Doyle expressed his deep respect for Bishop Oyedepo, noting that his comments stem from a place of affection and admiration for the influential leader.