The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has accepted the apology of Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, Global Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), following controversial remarks he made about the church’s late founder, Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola.
Fatoyinbo had sparked outrage after suggesting in a sermon that although Apostle Babalola was greatly anointed, he lacked financial wealth and left behind little for his children.
“He was so anointed… heavy-duty grace, but no money. So, all the grace just went like that,” Fatoyinbo said.
He also questioned, “Where are his children?”
The comments were widely criticised as insensitive and misleading, especially for equating spiritual impact with material success.
In a statement on Thursday, CAC’s Director of Publicity, Pastor Aderinsoye Alawode, said the church received Fatoyinbo’s apology in good faith, noting that it showed remorse and a willingness to make amends.
“He realised the statement evoked some feelings, and he took steps to correct himself. That’s what’s needed—it shows humility.
The CAC, while addressing the controversy, stressed that material wealth is not a biblical measure of ministerial success.
“To equate anointing or ministry success with material wealth is biblically flawed,” the church stated, quoting Luke 12:15: “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
Also responding, Deaconess Eunice Ogini, first daughter of Apostle Babalola, defended her father’s legacy, saying he lived a life of sacrifice and service, and his children continue to thrive because of his values.
“We are doing well, we were blessed by our father’s life and legacy,” she said, rejecting the suggestion that Babalola died poor or left nothing behind.
Following the backlash, Fatoyinbo issued an apology to the CAC, the Babalola family, and others affected by his words.
“At no point did I refer to Apostle Babalola’s children in a negative light,” he said. “I apologise if any part of my message caused hurt or distress to the CAC, the family, or his associates.”
Pastor Alawode reiterated that the CAC did not believe Fatoyinbo spoke with malicious intent, but wanted to correct any false impressions.
“We never claimed he insulted them directly, but we needed to clarify that Apostle Babalola had children—and they are alive, doing well, and respected in their fields,” he said.
