Charles Esther
The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has criticised Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, lead pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), over comments he made about the late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola.
In one of his sermons, Fatoyinbo had stated that although Apostle Babalola was heavily anointed, he died poor, and went on to ask sarcastically about the whereabouts of his children.
Church Labels Remarks ‘Insensitive and Ill-Informed’
In a statement signed by its Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode, CAC described Fatoyinbo’s remarks as misleading and disrespectful to the legacy of the church’s first General Evangelist.
“Your question about Apostle Babalola’s children was both insensitive and ill-informed,” Alawode wrote, adding that the church typically does not respond to social media controversies but found it necessary to correct the misinformation.
Wealth Is Not a Measure of Anointing
Alawode rejected Fatoyinbo’s suggestion that spiritual anointing should be measured by material wealth, calling it a biblically flawed perspective.
Quoting Luke 12:15, he said:
“One’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
He also warned against “Simony” — the monetisation of spiritual gifts — and reminded Fatoyinbo that “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).
Defending Apostle Babalola’s Legacy
CAC emphasised that Apostle Babalola was blessed, generous, and sacrificial in service, noting his work across Western and Midwestern Nigeria, Ghana, and beyond.
According to the church, Babalola gave land to the church, supported education, fed the poor, and never exploited his pulpit for personal gain.
“When Queen Elizabeth II visited Nigeria in 1956, Apostle Babalola was among the honoured guests. Would a man in rags be granted such recognition? Certainly not,” Alawode stated.
Clarifying the Status of His Children
Addressing Fatoyinbo’s question, the church confirmed that Apostle Babalola’s children, Mama Eunice Wuraola Ogini and Apeke Adeniyi, are alive, blessed, and active in ministry, though they live modestly and without public flamboyance.
A Legacy That Endures
More than six decades after his passing, CAC says Apostle Babalola’s impact continues to shape countless lives and ministries, proving that his influence goes far beyond material wealth.
David Awoyode