The Global Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo, has issued an apology following backlash over comments he made about Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the revered first General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC).
In a now-viral video, Fatoyinbo referred to Apostle Babalola as “anointed” but controversially remarked that “all the grace just went like that” due to a lack of financial resources. He further questioned, “Where are his children?” The comment was intended, according to Fatoyinbo, to illustrate that spiritual power must be accompanied by biblical principles such as stewardship and prosperity.
The statement drew sharp criticism, particularly from the CAC, which described it as “both insensitive and ill-informed.”
In a Facebook statement published late Thursday, Fatoyinbo expressed regret over the controversy, maintaining that his words had been “misconstrued,” but nonetheless offered a public apology.
“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,” he wrote. “I would never disrespect or speak of them in that manner, either publicly or privately.”
Fatoyinbo went on to describe Apostle Babalola as “a most distinguished father of faith in Nigeria and indeed all over the world,” noting that “many churches in this part of the world take their DNA either directly or indirectly from the ministry and grace upon Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola — of which I am also a beneficiary.”
He added, “Our church is known globally as a place of honour, and I would never in any way take the grace over Apostle Babalola, his children, or his ministry for granted.”
His apology came hours after the CAC’s Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode, publicly responded to the video, calling Fatoyinbo’s statements “biblically flawed.”
“To equate anointing or ministerial success with material wealth is biblically flawed,” Alawode said in an official CAC statement. “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.”
He also addressed the specific comment about Babalola’s descendants, saying, “Ethically speaking, Apostle Babalola had children. Simple arithmetic would tell you they are advanced in age — likely around your grandparents’ age. What did you hope to achieve with the mocking question, ‘Where are the children of Babalola?’”
Alawode further questioned the theological foundation of such remarks:
“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 grappling with moral decay?”
The exchange has sparked widespread debate within the Nigerian Christian community, with many calling for deeper reflection on the message and tone of modern-day preaching.
