The Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, has accepted the apology of the Global Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, Biodun Fatoyinbo, following controversial remarks about the late founder of CAC, Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola.
Speaking on behalf of the church, CAC Director of Publicity, Pastor Aderinsoye Alawode, confirmed the apology had been received in good faith.
He added that the gesture demonstrated remorse and a readiness to make amends.
Fatoyinbo, during a sermon, had remarked that Apostle Babalola was highly anointed but “had no money.”
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He further questioned the condition of Babalola’s children, suggesting that material wealth had eluded the family.
“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,” Fatoyinbo said.
“He was anointed. So anointed. Anointed man. Heavy-duty grace, but no money. So, all the grace just went like that,” the COZA pastor added.
Reacting in a statement, CAC criticised the linkage between spiritual anointing and material wealth, stressing that the claim was misleading.
The statement, signed by Pastor Alawode, also described the reference to Babalola’s children as insensitive and ill-informed.
“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,” CAC stated.
“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 declared.
Babalola’s first daughter, Deaconess Eunice Ogini, also reacted, affirming that her father left a legacy of service to God and humanity. She insisted his children were well and continued in his values.
She dismissed the suggestion that he died poor or left nothing behind, explaining that both she and her sister had lived comfortable lives due to the principles instilled by their father.
Following the backlash, Fatoyinbo issued a statement apologising to the CAC and the family of Apostle Babalola.
He clarified that his words were not intended to disparage the late founder or his children.
“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,” Fatoyinbo said.
“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 added.
Responding to the development, Pastor Alawode commended Fatoyinbo’s willingness to retract his words.
“He 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,” he said.
Alawode clarified that CAC’s concern was not to accuse Fatoyinbo of malice but to correct impressions his words might have created.
He emphasised that Apostle Babalola’s children were alive, successful, and continued to serve in various capacities within the church and society.
