The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has publicly criticised Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) over his recent comments about the late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the church’s first General Evangelist, accusing him of promoting a misleading prosperity-based interpretation of Christian ministry.
In a statement signed by its Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode, CAC said it normally refrains from responding to social media controversies but deemed Fatoyinbo’s remarks — widely circulated on his platforms — as requiring clarification for scriptural, factual, and legacy-defence reasons.
The church took exception to Fatoyinbo’s claim in a trending YouTube sermon that while Apostle Babalola was “highly anointed” he “had no money” and to his sarcastic question, “Where are his children?” CAC described the remark as “insensitive and ill-informed” and contrary to biblical teaching.
Quoting Luke 12:15 and 1 Timothy 6:10, Alawode argued that ministry success cannot be measured by material wealth, warning that Fatoyinbo’s brand of preaching promotes “Simony — the monetization of spiritual gifts.” He also challenged the COZA leader to identify the scriptural basis for a prosperity message that demeans those without riches.
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On the issue of Apostle Babalola’s family, CAC clarified that he had children, including Mama Eunice Wuraola Ogini and Apeke Adeniyi, who are alive and serving God quietly. Alawode noted that Babalola, though not ostentatious, lived comfortably, gave generously to the church, and supported education, apprenticeships, and the poor.
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The statement also highlighted that Babalola’s ministry, which began in 1928, was marked by signs and wonders, and his influence reached beyond Nigeria. He was among the dignitaries received by Queen Elizabeth II during her 1956 visit to Nigeria — a recognition CAC said refuted any suggestion of destitution.
“More than 66 years after his passing, Apostle Babalola’s legacy continues to inspire and bless countless lives and ministries,” the church stressed.
Concluding, CAC urged Fatoyinbo and other ministers to embrace a biblical definition of greatness rooted in service, righteousness, and humility, rather than equating anointing with material accumulation.
