Dare Babalola
The Global Senior Pastor
Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo, has apologised to the family of Apostle Joseph Babalola, the Founder of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) over a recent comment attributed to the Abuja cleric.
Recall that the CAC, in a statement by its Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode, had berated Fatoyinbo for claiming Babalola died poor despite the anointing he had.
The church also alleged that Fatoyinbo, in the viral sermon that attracted diverse reactions tried to mock the biological children of Babalola.
CAC cautioned Fatoyinbo over his “misleading” comments on its founder, noting that equality spirituality to material things was not biblical.
Responding on Thursday, the Abuja-based cleric, in a statement he signed personally, sought the forgiveness of Babalola’s family, describing the late preacher as “a most distinguished father of faith in Nigeria and indeed all over the world”.
He thanked the church for calling his attention to their grievances but clarified that he did not attempt or directly attack the biological children of the CAC founder, urging the church to watch his full sermon on YouTube for clarification.
Fatoyinbo acknowledged the role CAC played in his Christian upbringing, adding that most Nigerian churches are directly or indirectly connected to the grace of Apostle Babalola.
He said, “I am therefore honored, humbled and grateful for every word, admonition and correction in the statement issued this morning by CAC. I am a child who grew up in the church and cannot erase that part of my formative years.
“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 a bad light. I would never do that. The raw copy of the message is online and this can be verified.”
He maintained that COZA is “known worldwide as a place of Honor and I would never in any way or manner take lightly the grace over Apostle Babalola, his children or his ministry for granted or speak lightly of same.”
He continued, “I am also aware that the children of the late Veteran of faith, who are all serving God and keeping up the legacy of our late father of faith are not only shining examples of generational impact, but good and present-day examples for children of visionaries to follow.
“I remain proud of their achievements and honor them in no small measure.
“Finally, I apologize 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.”
