Dare Babalola
The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has reacted to recent claims by the Head Pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, that the Founder of the Church, Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, died poor despite that he had great anointing.
The church’s response was contained in a statement by CAC’s Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode, who berated Fatoyinbo for equating spirituality with material things.
Alawode noted that CAC does not respond to social media controversies but stressed the need to correct the misleading statements by the Abuja preacher.
Recall that in a recent viral sermon, Fatoyinbo described Babalola as “highly anointed” but without wealth while also questioning what became of the offspring of the late preacher.
The church also noted that Fatoyinbo’s position on Babalola and his biological children is insensitive and ill-informed.
He said, “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?”
Alawode informed the preacher that the biological children of Babalola are aged and are already grandparents, wondering what his alleged mockery aims to achieve.
The statement continued, “Your statement reflects more on the kind of company you keep, but as a preacher of the Word, shouldn’t your conduct and utterances be guided by Scripture?
“Where in the Bible does your brand of prosperity theology originate — one that demeans people for not being wealthy? Isn’t such a message encouraging greed, corruption, and godlessness, especially in a nation already struggling with moral decay?
“For the sake of truth and posterity, let me correct the public misrepresentations you’ve made regarding Apostle Joseph Ayo 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 wonders.
“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.”
In addition, Alawode recalled that Queen Elizabeth II honoured Apostle Babalola in February 1956 when she visited Nigeria asking if the colonial government would have recognised a man in rags.
“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,” he concluded.
