After Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo Of COZA church has been scolded by many on his statement on late Apostle Ayo Babalola, he apologises and the CAC has accepted ‘his remorseful’ letter
The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has accepted the apology of Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, the Global Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), after his remarks about CAC’s late founder, Apostle Ayo Babalola, stirred outrage.
CAC’s director of publicity Pastor Aderinsoye Alawode said the apology was received in good faith, noting that it reflected remorse and a willingness to make amends.
Fatoyinbo, while delivering a sermon, had said Apostle Babalola was anointed but had no money. He also said Babalola died poor and questioned the whereabouts of his children.
“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 said.
But reacting, CAC accused him of promoting a misleading link between ministerial success and material wealth.
“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 church said.
The first daughter of Apostle Babalola, Deaconess Eunice Ogini, also defended her father. She said he lived a life of service to God and humanity, and that his children continued in his footsteps.
She rejected the claim that he died poor or left no tangible legacy, stressing that both she and her sister were blessed and lived comfortable lives as a result of his values and generosity.
Following the backlash, Fatoyinbo apologised to CAC and the children of Apostle Babalola.
“Let me state however, that at no time in the sermon did I refer to the children of the late Apostle and Father of faith in bad light. I would never do that. The raw copy of the message is online, and this can be verified.
“I would never in any way or manner take lightly the grace over Apostle Babalola, his children or his ministry for granted or speak lightly of the same.
“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 said.
Alawode told Saturday PUNCH that Fatoyinbo’s move was commendable.
“He (Fatoyinbo) realised that the statement he made evoked some feelings in some people, and he took steps to correct himself. That is what is needed; it means he has shown remorse.
“Maybe he made the statement in error and once he has (Fatoyinbo) realised that and corrected himself, that is alright,” Alawode said.
He noted that CAC’s concern was not to accuse Fatoyinbo of malicious intent, but to clarify public misconceptions his remarks might have created.
“We too did not say he spoke of them (Apostle Babalola and his children) in bad light, but we just wanted to correct the impression given that maybe Baba did not even have any children at all. The children are alive and all of them are doing well in their various fields of endeavour. They have already retired from government service, and they are church leaders in their own right,” he added.
Beyond the controversy, CAC also pointed out that Apostle Babalola was not destitute as portrayed. Historical records show that he lived in a befitting house, drove a Ford Jeep of his time and was among those honoured during Queen Elizabeth II’s 1956 visit to Nigeria.
He also donated land to the church, sponsored education, and fed and housed many, which the church described as proof that he left behind a lasting legacy.