The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has accepted the apology of the Global Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo, following public outrage over his recent comments about the late founder of CAC, Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola.
In a statement signed by the church’s Director of Publicity, Pastor Aderinsoye Alawode, CAC said the apology was received in good faith, describing it as a demonstration of humility and willingness to make amends.
Fatoyinbo had stirred controversy during a sermon in which he described Apostle Babalola as “highly anointed but without money,” adding that the revivalist “died poor” and questioning what became of his children.
His remarks provoked sharp criticism, with CAC warning against linking ministerial success to material wealth.
“Ordinarily, we do not respond to social media commentaries, but your statement was widely circulated and needed clarification,” the church said. “To equate anointing with material wealth is biblically flawed. Jesus Himself warned: ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions’ (Luke 12:15).”
Apostle Babalola’s first daughter, Deaconess Eunice Ogini, also responded, stressing that her father lived a life of sacrifice and left behind both spiritual and moral legacies. She dismissed claims that he died poor, insisting that she and her siblings lived comfortable lives anchored on their father’s values.
Amid mounting backlash, Pastor Fatoyinbo issued a statement apologising to the CAC and the family of Apostle Babalola. He denied any intention to insult the late apostle or his children and clarified that his words had been misinterpreted.
“At no time in that sermon did I speak ill of Apostle Babalola’s children,” Fatoyinbo said. “I honour his life and ministry, and I regret if my statement caused distress to the church or his family. My intention was never to downplay his grace or legacy.”
Reacting to the apology, Pastor Alawode commended Fatoyinbo for retracing his steps, saying such humility was the right response.
“He realised his words created a wrong impression and he corrected himself. That shows remorse, and that is enough for us,” Alawode said.
He further explained that CAC’s intervention was not to portray Fatoyinbo as malicious but to correct public misconceptions. “We only needed to make it clear that Apostle Babalola indeed had children, and they are doing well. They have served in government, in church leadership, and continue to uphold their father’s legacy.”
With the apology now accepted, CAC stressed that the focus should remain on Apostle Babalola’s enduring impact on Nigerian Christianity, not on controversies surrounding his personal life.
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