The Global Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo, has issued an apology following widespread criticism over his remarks about Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the first General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC).
In a viral video, Fatoyinbo had described the late Babalola as “anointed” but claimed that “all the grace just went like that” because the preacher “had no money,” questioning, “Where are his children?” He explained that the statement was intended to emphasise that spiritual grace and power should be complemented by an understanding of biblical principles such as stewardship and prosperity.
The comment drew immediate backlash, with the CAC condemning it as “both insensitive and ill-informed.”
In a statement posted on his Facebook page late Thursday, Fatoyinbo expressed regret, while maintaining that his words had been “misconstrued.”
“I apologise if any other statement made by me has caused any form of distress, hurt, or discontentment to the CAC, the family of the late Apostle Babalola, or his associates. I will never disrespect or speak of them in that manner, either publicly or privately,” he wrote.
He described Babalola as “a most distinguished father of faith in Nigeria and indeed all over the world,” acknowledging that “many of the churches in this part of the world take their DNA either directly or indirectly from the ministry and grace over the life of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola of which I cannot but also state categorically that I am a beneficiary.”
Fatoyinbo added that COZA is recognised globally as “a place of honour,” insisting that he would never undermine the grace over Babalola’s ministry, his family, or his legacy.
His apology came shortly after CAC’s Director of Publicity, Ade Alawode, criticised the Abuja-based pastor’s remarks as “biblically flawed.”
Quoting Luke 12:15, Alawode stressed, “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 further pointed out that Babalola had children, who, given the timeline, would likely be of advanced age. Alawode questioned the motive behind Fatoyinbo’s rhetorical, “Where are the children of Babalola?” remark, arguing that such a statement reflects poorly on a preacher of the Word.
He also challenged the theological basis of prosperity preaching that demeans individuals for lacking wealth, warning that such messages could fuel greed, corruption, and moral decline in a country already grappling with ethical challenges.
What you should know
Biodun Fatoyinbo of COZA has apologised after criticism over his comments on Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, which the CAC described as insensitive and theologically flawed.
While Fatoyinbo claimed his words were misconstrued and intended to teach biblical principles of prosperity, the CAC maintained that equating spiritual success with material wealth contradicts Scripture and risks promoting moral decay.
