The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has accepted the apology of the Global Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo, following backlash over his remarks about the church’s late founder, Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola.
Fatoyinbo had stirred controversy during a sermon praising Babalola’s anointing but questioning his material wealth and legacy. “He was anointed. So anointed. Anointed man. Heavy-duty grace, but no money. So, all the grace just went like that,” the COZA pastor said, while also asking, “Where are his children?”
The comments drew criticism from CAC, which in a statement signed by its Director of Publicity, Pastor Aderinsoye Alawode, described Fatoyinbo’s views as biblically flawed.
“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 stated.
Apostle Babalola’s first daughter, Deaconess Eunice Ogini, also dismissed Fatoyinbo’s claims, insisting her father left a strong spiritual and family legacy. She maintained that she and her siblings lived comfortable lives shaped by his values of service and generosity.
Amid mounting reactions, Fatoyinbo issued an apology on Thursday, August 14, stressing that he meant no disrespect to Babalola or his children.
“I would never in any way or manner take lightly the grace over Apostle Babalola, his children or his ministry for granted. I apologise if any 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.
In an interview with Punch, Alawode said the apology was received in good faith.
“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 noted.
Alawode clarified that CAC’s response was not to accuse Fatoyinbo of malice but to correct any misconceptions.
“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.
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