CAC tackles COZA founder, Fatoyinbo, over attack on Pastor Joseph Ayo Babalola
The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has issued a strongly worded response to Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, founder of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), over comments he made about the late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the church’s first General Evangelist.
In an open letter signed by Pastor Ade Alawode, CAC Director of Publicity, the church condemned Fatoyinbo’s remarks describing Babalola as an anointed man “who had no money” and questioning the whereabouts of his children. The statement, widely circulated on Wednesday, described the comments as “insensitive and ill-informed.”
“Ordinarily, we do not respond to social media controversies,” Alawode said. “However, it is necessary to address your statements to correct misleading narratives about ministry and wealth, and to defend the legacy of Apostle Babalola.”
The CAC stressed that equating ministerial success with material wealth is “biblically flawed,” citing Luke 12:15, which warns against covetousness, and 1 Timothy 6:10, which states that “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” The church accused Fatoyinbo of promoting a brand of prosperity theology that “demeans people for not being wealthy” and could encourage greed and corruption.
On Babalola’s personal life, the church clarified that the revivalist had children — Mama Eunice Wuraola Ogini and Apeke Adeniyi — who are alive and serving in the Lord’s vineyard. It also highlighted his acts of charity, including providing land for the church, supporting education, feeding the poor, and housing people beyond his immediate family.
The statement noted that Babalola was honoured during Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Nigeria in 1956, lived in a befitting home, drove one of the best Ford Jeeps of his time, and supported numerous social causes without exploiting the pulpit.
“Apostle Babalola’s impact was spiritual, not material,” Alawode wrote. “More than 66 years after his passing, his legacy continues to inspire and bless generations.”
The church concluded by urging Fatoyinbo to reflect on biblical teachings, reminding him that the true measure of anointing lies in sacrificial service and humility, not wealth or possessions.
