CAC also said Fatoyinbo’s comments about its founder, Ayo Babalola are insensitive, adding that his preaching encourages corruption.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has blasted the lead Pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo, over his recent remark about its founder, Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola.
Speaking via a statement issued by the church’s Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode, CAC said the pastor’s comments about Apostle Babalola are insensitive and ill-informed.
Fatoyinbo had in one of his messages claimed that despite the deluge of anointing by Apostle Babalola, he died poor. He also questioned the whereabouts of his children.
Reacting to the assertions, Alawode
queried Fatoyinbo’s knowledge of the Bible and insisted his claims are inaccurate.
He said: “In one of your trending messages on YouTube, you acknowledged that Apostle Babalola was highly anointed but “had no money”, and then went on to ask sarcastically, “Where are his children?” — a question that was both insensitive and ill-informed.”
He further insisted that Fatoyinbo’s message of equating announcing with ministerial wealth was flawed.
“To equate anointing or ministerial success with material wealth is biblically flawed. The words of Jesus are clear:
“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” — Luke 12:15.
“Yet, your teachings suggest otherwise.
“In doing so, you promote what the Bible refers to as Simony — the monetization of spiritual gifts (Acts 8:18–24). The Scriptures do not teach that money is a sign of anointing. Rather, “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Which Bible do you read and preach from?” he asked.
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While berating the COZA lead Pastor for questioning the whereabouts of Apostle Babalola’s children, the CAC spokesman said he seems to struggle with “simple arithmetic”.
“Ethically speaking, Apostle Babalola had children. Simple arithmetic should help you understand that they would be advanced in age by now — possibly your grandparents’ age. What did you hope to achieve with the mocking question, “Where are the children of Babalola?” he noted.
The statement explained that the CAC founder’s children that are still alive are: Mama Eunice Wuraola Ogini and Apeke Adeniyi, adding that “they are alive, blessed, fulfilled, and quietly serving the Lord in their respective churches. They are not loud, ostentatious, or greedy.”
While stating that the measure of a believer’s anointing is not in material accumulation, but in sacrificial service, CAC in the statement asked, “When Peter said in Acts 3:6, “Silver and gold I do not have…” — was he still anointed or not?”
The church also set the records straight stating some other facts about the late Apostle Babalola .
“Apostle Babalola was called by God on October 10, 1928, at the age of 24. His ministry spanned Western and Midwestern Nigeria, and extended to the Gold Coast (now Ghana), marked by undeniable signs and wonder
“He was blessed, but not materialistic or greedy. He gave lands to the Church, supported the education of many, fed the poor, and lived sacrificially. He housed more people than just his biological children.
“When Queen Elizabeth II visited Nigeria in February 1956, Apostle Babalola was among the honored guests. Would a man in rags be granted such recognition by a colonial government? Certainly not.
“He was no fundraiser, yet God supplied his needs. His diaries are filled with divine provisions like: “Ipese Olorun loni: £100.00, £50.00…”
“He lived in a befitting home, drove one of the best Ford Jeeps of his time, and funded weddings, education, and apprenticeship programs — all without exploiting the pulpit” Alawode further said.
