Lead Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo has sparked controversy after a referencing late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the first General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church in a recent sermon.
In a video that quickly went viral, Fatoyinbo suggested that much of the grace that Apostle Babalola received had been wasted due to a lack of financial resources.
He recalled an incident where a python dried up after crossing Babalola’s leg.
“I was studying recently about what Apostle Babalola did. I stand to be corrected. What God did through Smith Wigglesworth, if they had documented what God did in the life of that man (Babalola), people would be coming here for pilgrimage. He was anointed. So anointed. Anointed man. Heavy-duty grace, but no money. So all the grace just went like that,” Fatoyinbo remarked.
In response, the Christ Apostolic Church issued a public statement criticizing Fatoyinbo for implying that financial wealth is linked to spiritual success. The church emphasized that such views contradict biblical teachings and are misleading.
The CAC statement, signed by Pastor Ade Alawode, read in part, “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.
“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.”
The statement also sought to correct the public record, asserting that Apostle Babalola was not financially poor, as he lived in a “befitting home” and owned one of the best Ford Jeeps of his time. The CAC also pointed out that Babalola was honored by the colonial government, being among the distinguished guests when Queen Elizabeth II visited Nigeria in 1956.
Additionally, the church defended Babalola’s children, stating that they are “blessed, fulfilled, and quietly serving the Lord in their respective churches” without seeking attention or fame.
In his own response, Pastor Fatoyinbo issued a statement of apology, clarifying that he did not mean to speak ill of Babalola’s children and expressing regret for any distress his remarks may have caused.
“I would like to clarify that at no time did I refer to the children of the late Apostle in a negative light. I would never do that. The full sermon is available online for verification,” Fatoyinbo wrote.
He continued, “I would never take the grace upon Apostle Babalola or his children or ministry for granted. I consider him a highly revered father of faith whose impact continues to shape many churches, including my own. I pray that his legacy only grows in strength.”
Pastor Fatoyinbo concluded his statement by offering his apologies once again, expressing a desire to move beyond the controversy. He wished for the legacy of Apostle Babalola to continue flourishing and growing in influence.
“I pray that this puts to rest the entire episode and we pray that the CAC and the legacy of our father Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, continues to grow in leaps and bounds,” he concluded.
