The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has publicly issued a detailed and strongly worded reaction to recent remarks made by Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, founder and Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA). The controversy centers on comments Fatoyinbo made about the late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the church’s revered first General Evangelist, during one of his sermons. His words have sparked intense public discourse, drawing criticism from both church leaders and members of the Christian community.
In the viral sermon clip, Pastor Fatoyinbo described Apostle Babalola as a man who was “highly anointed” but “had no money,” lamenting that all his grace “just went like that.” He further questioned, “Where are his children?” — a statement the CAC has labelled as mocking, insensitive, and a complete misrepresentation of Babalola’s life and ministry.
The CAC leadership, after nearly two weeks of internal deliberations, decided to respond through an open letter shared on its official Facebook page. The letter, signed by Pastor Ade Alawode, Director of Publicity for the church, explained that while the CAC rarely comments on social media controversies, this case warranted a firm and clarifying response. The church cited three main reasons for its reply: scriptural justification, correction of misleading narratives about ministry and wealth, and the defense of Apostle Babalola’s enduring legacy.
According to Pastor Alawode, equating spiritual anointing or ministerial success with material wealth is not only unbiblical but dangerous. The letter referenced Luke 12:15 — “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” — as a direct counter to Fatoyinbo’s prosperity-focused interpretation of ministry. It further accused him of promoting what the Bible condemns as Simony, the monetization of spiritual gifts (Acts 8:18–24).
The church also strongly rebuked Fatoyinbo’s rhetorical question about Babalola’s children, clarifying that the Apostle indeed had children — including Mama Eunice Wuraola Ogini and Apeke Adeniyi — who are alive, blessed, and faithfully serving the Lord, albeit without seeking public attention or flaunting wealth.
In setting the record straight, the CAC recounted Babalola’s divine calling in 1928 at the age of 24, his expansive evangelistic work across Nigeria and Ghana, and the miracles that marked his ministry. Contrary to Fatoyinbo’s insinuations of poverty, the church stated that Babalola was well provided for, living in a befitting home, owning one of the best Ford Jeeps of his time, and generously funding education, weddings, and community welfare — all without exploiting the pulpit or hoarding riches.
The letter further reminded readers that Apostle Babalola’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, with his teachings and example still inspiring Christians over 66 years after his passing. The church contrasted this enduring spiritual impact with the transient nature of material wealth, citing Acts 3:6 where Peter declared, “Silver and gold I do not have…” yet remained powerfully anointed.
In conclusion, the CAC urged Pastor Fatoyinbo and other preachers to avoid messages that equate godliness with financial gain, warning that such teachings can fuel greed, corruption, and moral decay in an already troubled society. Pastor Alawode closed the letter by reiterating Romans 14:17 — “For the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” — and Matthew 20:25–28, where Jesus emphasized servant leadership over personal aggrandizement.
The statement ends with a prayer for grace, humility, and godly wisdom for all ministers, underscoring the need for leaders of the faith to uphold truth, defend legacy, and remain faithful to biblical doctrine.
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