The Global Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo, has apologised for comments he made about the revered preacher and first General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Joseph Ayo Babalola.

In a now-viral video clip, Fatoyinbo described the late Babalola as “anointed” but claimed that “all the grace just went like that” because the preacher “had no money,” adding, “Where are his children?” The remarks, intended to illustrate that grace and power should be accompanied by an understanding of biblical principles such as stewardship and prosperity, sparked widespread criticism.

The CAC described his comments as “both insensitive and ill-informed.”

In a Facebook post on Thursday evening, Fatoyinbo expressed regret, stating that his remarks had been “misconstrued.” He wrote: “I apologise if any other statement made by me has caused distress, hurt, or discontentment to the CAC, the family of the late Apostle Babalola, or his associates. I would never disrespect or speak of them in that manner, either publicly or privately.”

Fatoyinbo described Babalola as “a most distinguished father of faith in Nigeria and across the world,” noting that many churches in the region trace their spiritual heritage to his ministry. “I am a beneficiary of the grace upon Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola’s life,” he added.

“Our church is globally recognised as a place of honour, and I would never take lightly the grace over Apostle Babalola, his children, or his ministry,” Fatoyinbo stated.

His apology came hours after CAC Director of Publicity, Ade Alawode, criticised the Abuja-based pastor’s claim as “Biblically flawed.”

Quoting Luke 12:15, Alawode said: “To equate anointing or ministerial success with material wealth is Biblically flawed. The words of Jesus are clear: ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.’”

He questioned the relevance of Fatoyinbo’s remarks on Babalola’s children, pointing out that they would now be advanced in age. Alawode also challenged the theological basis of such prosperity teaching, warning that it risked promoting greed, corruption, and godlessness in a morally challenged nation.

THE FULL CAC RESPONSE:

Dear Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo,

Greetings to you in the Name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Ordinarily, we do not respond to social media commentaries or controversies. However, we consider it necessary to address your recent statements, which have been widely circulated on your social media platforms, for the following three reasons:

1. Scriptural Justification — The Bible permits us to respond wisely to folly to prevent arrogance (Proverbs 26:5).
2. Clarification of Truth — To correct the misleading narrative you are promoting about ministry and wealth.
3. Defense of Legacy — To address the inaccurate claims you’ve made regarding the life and ministry of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the first General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church.

In one of your trending messages on YouTube, you acknowledged that Apostle Babalola was highly anointed but “had no money”, and then went on to ask sarcastically, “Where are his children?” — a question that was both insensitive and ill-informed.

To equate anointing or ministerial success with material wealth is biblically flawed. The words of Jesus are clear:

“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” — Luke 12:15.

Yet, your teachings suggest otherwise.

In doing so, you promote what the Bible refers to as Simony — the monetization of spiritual gifts (Acts 8:18–24). The Scriptures do not teach that money is a sign of anointing. Rather, “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Which Bible do you read and preach from?

On the Question of Apostle Babalola’s Children

Ethically speaking, Apostle Babalola had children. Simple arithmetic should help you understand that they would be advanced in age by now — possibly your grandparents’ age. What did you hope to achieve with the mocking question, “Where are the children of Babalola?”

Your statement reflects more on the kind of company you keep, but as a preacher of the Word, shouldn’t your conduct and utterances be guided by Scripture?

Where in the Bible does your brand of prosperity theology originate — one that demeans people for not being wealthy? Isn’t such a message encouraging greed, corruption, and godlessness, especially in a nation already struggling with moral decay?

Setting the Record Straight

For the sake of truth and posterity, let me correct the public misrepresentations you’ve made regarding Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola:

1. Calling

Apostle Babalola was called by God on October 10, 1928, at the age of 24. His ministry spanned Western and Midwestern Nigeria, and extended to the Gold Coast (now Ghana), marked by undeniable signs and wonders.

2. Wealth and Lifestyle

He was blessed — but not materialistic or greedy. He gave lands to the Church, supported the education of many, fed the poor, and lived sacrificially. He housed more people than just his biological children.

When Queen Elizabeth II visited Nigeria in February 1956, Apostle Babalola was among the honored guests. Would a man in rags be granted such recognition by a colonial government? Certainly not.

He was no fundraiser, yet God supplied his needs. His diaries are filled with divine provisions like: “Ipese Olorun loni: £100.00, £50.00…”

He lived in a befitting home, drove one of the best Ford Jeeps of his time, and funded weddings, education, and apprenticeship programs — all without exploiting the pulpit.

3. Family

His children — Mama Eunice Wuraola Ogini and Apeke Adeniyi — are alive, blessed, fulfilled, and quietly serving the Lord in their respective churches. They are not loud, ostentatious, or greedy.

4. Legacy

Apostle Babalola’s anointing impacted generations. More than 66 years after his passing, his legacy continues to inspire and bless countless lives and ministries. That is true impact.

Let me pose a question to you:

When Peter said in Acts 3:6, “Silver and gold I do not have…” — was he still anointed or not?

I leave that for you to ponder.

5. Conclusion

The measure of a believer’s anointing is not in material accumulation, but in sacrificial service.

“For the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 14:17.

Jesus taught:

“Whoever desires to be great among you, let him be your servant… just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” — Matthew 20:25–28.

Once again,

“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” — Luke 12:15.

May God give us all the grace to rightly divide the Word of Truth, and to walk in humility, reverence, and godly wisdom.

Pastor Ade ALAWODE (Director of Publicity, Christ Apostolic Church)