Pastor Fatoyinbo apologises over comments on Apostle Babalola

The Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo, has apologised to the Christ Apostolic Church over his comments on the late founder of CAC, Apostle Ayo Babalola.

Fatoyinbo had earlier 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?”

Fatoyinbo while teaching on why poverty could hinder a person’s ability to fully serve God, said late Babalola was poor despite being highly anointed while questioning the whereabouts of his children.

He further asked his congregation to focus on making money, so they will be able to fully express their ministry because poverty kills ministry.

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.

However, Fatoyinbo, in a statement signed by him on Thursday, apologised over his comments on the late founder and his children.

The cleric expressed regret over the sermon while he apologised for any form of distress, hurt or discontentment caused the CAC, the family of the late Apostle Babalola, or his associates.

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

He stated: “The exploits of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, which in the video I stated explicitly are too numerous to count remains the hall mark of most Christian organizations in Nigeria and beyond till this very moment.

“Indeed many of the churches in this part of the world take their DNA either directly or indirectly from the ministry and grace over the life of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola of which I cannot but also state categorically that I am a beneficiary.

“I am therefore honored, humbled and grateful for every word, admonition and correction in the statement issued this morning by CAC. I am a child who grew up in the church and cannot erase that part of my formative years.

“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.

“Our church is known worldwide as a place of Honor and I would never in any way of manner take lightly the grace over Apostle Babalola, his children or his ministry for granted or speak lightly of same.

“I am also aware that the children of the late Veteran of faith, who are all serving God and keeping up the legacy of our late father of faith are not only shining examples of generational impact, but good and present day examples for children of visionaries to follow.

“I remain proud of their achievements and honor them in no small measure.

“Finally, I apologize 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.

“I will never disrespect or speak of them in that manner either publicly or privately.
I pray that this puts to rest the entire episode and we pray that the CAC and the legacy of our father Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, continues to grow in leaps and bounds.”

The Star