The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has accepted the apology of Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), following backlash over his recent remarks about the church’s late founder, Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola.
In a sermon, Fatoyinbo had described Apostle Babalola as highly anointed but without wealth, questioning what became of his children.
The comments sparked outrage, with critics accusing him of equating ministerial success with material possessions.
Reacting in a statement signed by its Director of Publicity, Pastor Aderinsoye Alawode, CAC condemned the remarks as insensitive and biblically flawed. “To equate anointing or ministerial success with material wealth is biblically unsound.
The words of Jesus are clear: ‘One’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses’ (Luke 12:15),” the church said.
The family of Apostle Babalola also dismissed Fatoyinbo’s claims.
His first daughter, Deaconess Eunice Ogini, stressed that her father lived a life of service and left behind enduring values and legacies.
She added that his children are well-established and living comfortably.
Faced with mounting criticism, Fatoyinbo issued an apology on Thursday, stating that his remarks were not intended to discredit Babalola or his children. “At no time in the sermon did I speak of Apostle Babalola’s children in bad light.
I apologise if my words caused distress to the CAC, his family or associates,” he said.
In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, Alawode commended Fatoyinbo for showing humility. “He realised the statement he made evoked some feelings, and he took steps to correct himself. That is what is needed; it means he has shown remorse,” he said.
Alawode added that CAC’s intervention was meant to correct public misconceptions, not to malign Fatoyinbo, stressing that Apostle Babalola’s children are alive, accomplished, and respected in their own right.