A while a go I was trying to read upon on oil degradation over time if it's sat there..

From what I read, if the oil is in a sealed container, drum, bottle etc. then it'll be fine, even years later. But possibly not in the bottom of an engine, because air or more importantly, oxygen, can get to it.

I wouldn't think it a good idea to use oil that's been sat in a sump for 5 years for example.