I’ll never disrespect Babalola, COZA Pastor Fatoyinbo apologises after backlash
By Jeffrey Agbo
Lead Pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo, has apologised for his recent remark about the late founder of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Apostle Joseph Babalola.
In a viral clip, Fatoyinbo described Babalola as “anointed… so anointed” but claimed that “all the grace just went like that” because he “had no money.”
The CAC reacted in a statement signed by its Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode, saying the COZA pastor’s comments about its founder are insensitive and ill-informed.
The church accused Fatoyinbo of promoting a misleading link between ministerial success and material wealth.
However, Fatoyinbo issued a statement on Thursday acknowledging the CAC’s concerns and apologising for any hurt caused.
He insisted that he did not speak ill of Babalola’s children and maintained that his church was “a place of honour.”
“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.
“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,” he said.
Fatoyinbo described Babalola as a “highly revered father of faith” whose ministry had shaped many churches, including his own, and prayed that the late evangelist’s legacy “continues to grow in leaps and bounds.”
“I apologise 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,” he concluded.
