The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has issued a strong rebuttal to Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) over remarks he made about the late Apostle Ayo Babalola, the church’s first General Evangelist.
In an open letter posted on its official social media pages, CAC said it ordinarily does not respond to online controversies but found it necessary to address Fatoyinbo’s statements for scriptural justification, clarification of truth, and defense of Apostle Babalola’s legacy.
The church faulted Fatoyinbo for a recent YouTube message in which he allegedly acknowledged Apostle Babalola’s anointing but remarked that he “had no money,” later asking sarcastically, “Where are his children?” CAC described the comment as “insensitive and ill-informed,” arguing that it misrepresents both biblical teaching and the life of the revered evangelist.
“To equate anointing or ministerial success with material wealth is biblically flawed,” the statement read, quoting Luke 12:15 on the dangers of covetousness. The church accused Fatoyinbo of promoting “Simony” — the monetization of spiritual gifts — contrary to scriptural principles.
Clarifying the facts, CAC said Apostle Babalola did have children, who would now be advanced in age, and that his ministry, which began in 1928 at the age of 24, spanned Nigeria and Ghana, marked by “undeniable signs and wonders.”
The church emphasized that while Babalola was blessed, he was neither materialistic nor greedy, giving lands to the church, supporting education, feeding the poor, and living sacrificially. Notably, he was among the honored guests during Queen Elizabeth II’s 1956 visit to Nigeria and lived in a befitting home without exploiting the pulpit.
CAC concluded by challenging Fatoyinbo to align his preaching with scripture and reject prosperity theology that “demeans people for not being wealthy” in a nation already grappling with moral decay.
