By Ayomide otitoju
The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has condemned recent remarks by Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) concerning the late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, its first General Evangelist, accusing him of promoting a misleading, prosperity-driven view of Christian ministry.
In a statement issued by its Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode, CAC said it typically avoids reacting to social media controversies but considered Fatoyinbo’s widely shared comments too inaccurate to ignore.
Fatoyinbo, in a trending YouTube sermon, described Apostle Babalola as “highly anointed” yet “without money” and sarcastically asked, “Where are his children?” The church called the remarks “insensitive and ill-informed,” arguing they misrepresented biblical teaching and the late evangelist’s legacy.
Citing Luke 12:15, 1 Timothy 6:10, Alawode stressed that ministry success cannot be measured by material wealth and warned that Fatoyinbo’s message encouraged “Simony — the monetization of spiritual gifts.” He challenged the COZA leader to provide scriptural backing for a prosperity doctrine that belittles ministers without riches.
The church clarified that Apostle Babalola had children, including Mama Eunice Wuraola Ogini and Apeke Adeniyi, who are alive and actively serving God. It added that Babalola lived comfortably, gave generously to the church, funded education, and supported the poor.
Highlighting his impact, CAC noted that Babalola’s ministry, which began in 1928, was marked by signs and wonders and gained international recognition. In 1956, he was among those received by Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Nigeria — a testament to his influence and standing.
“More than 66 years after his passing, Apostle Babalola’s legacy continues to inspire and bless countless lives and ministries,” the statement said.
The church urged Fatoyinbo and other ministers to adopt a biblical definition of greatness rooted in service, righteousness, and humility, rather than equating anointing with material accumulation.
