CAC slams Fatoyinbo over comment on Apostle Babalola’s wealth, children

The Christ Apostolic Church has lashed out at the Founder of Commonwealth of Zion Ministry, Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, over his statements on the first General Evangelist of CAC, Apostle Ayo Babalola.

Fatoyinbo had, in a video trending on social media, said Babalola died a poor man, adding that the cleric’s children would probably not be happy where they are now.

He acknowledged that Babalola was highly anointed but “had no money”, adding: “Where are his children?”

Reacting via a statement issued by the CAC Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode, the church said Fatoyinbo’s question was “insensitive and ill-informed”.

The church, in a statement on Thursday, August 14, 2025, stated that it was wrong for Fatoyinbo to have equated anointing with material prosperity.

It said: “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.

“Yet, your teachings suggest otherwise.

“In doing so, you promote what the Bible refers to as Simony — the monetization of spiritual gifts (Acts 8:18–24). The Scriptures do not teach that money is a sign of anointing. Rather, ‘the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil’ (1 Timothy 6:10). Which Bible do you read and preach from?”

On the question of Apostle Babalola’s children, the CAC noted: “Ethically speaking, Apostle Babalola had children. Simple arithmetic should help you understand that they would be advanced in age by now — possibly your grandparents’ age. What did you hope to achieve with the mocking question, ‘Where are the children of Babalola?’

“Your statement reflects more on the kind of company you keep, but as a preacher of the Word, shouldn’t your conduct and utterances be guided by Scripture?

Oyedepo rejects hijab in mission schools, warns against church harassment    

“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 struggling with moral decay?”

The church added: “Apostle Babalola was called by God on October 10, 1928, at the age of 24. His ministry spanned Western and Midwestern Nigeria and extended to the Gold Coast (now Ghana), marked by undeniable signs and wonders.

“He was blessed — but not materialistic or greedy. He gave lands to the Church, supported the education of many, fed the poor, and lived sacrificially. He housed more people than just his biological children.

“When Queen Elizabeth II visited Nigeria in February 1956, Apostle Babalola was among the honored guests. Would a man in rags be granted such recognition by a colonial government? Certainly not.

“He was no fundraiser, yet God supplied his needs. His diaries are filled with divine provisions like: ‘Ipese Olorun loni: £100.00, £50.00…’

“He lived in a befitting home, drove one of the best Ford Jeeps of his time, and funded weddings, education, and apprenticeship programs — all without exploiting the pulpit.

“His children — Mama Eunice Wuraola Ogini and Apeke Adeniyi — are alive, blessed, fulfilled, and quietly serving the Lord in their respective churches. They are not loud, ostentatious, or greedy.

“Apostle Babalola’s anointing impacted generations. More than 66 years after his passing, his legacy continues to inspire and bless countless lives and ministries. That is true impact.

“The measure of a believer’s anointing is not in material accumulation, but in sacrificial service.

“May God give us all the grace to rightly divide the Word of Truth, and to walk in humility, reverence, and godly wisdom.”

The Star