THE leader of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, has apologised to the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) following backlash over comments he made about its late pioneer General Evangelist, Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola.
In a sermon that recently went viral, Fatoyinbo praised Babalola as “highly anointed” but suggested that “all the grace just went like that” because he “had no money.”
The remarks drew swift criticism from the CAC, which accused him of promoting an inaccurate connection between ministerial success and material wealth.
In a statement released today, signed by its Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode, the CAC described Fatoyinbo’s comments as “insensitive” and “biblically flawed,” citing Luke 12:15 as a reminder that life does not consist in material possessions.
Responding the same day, Fatoyinbo expressed regret for any distress his words might have caused.
He clarified that he never intended to insult Babalola’s children or diminish his legacy, insisting that his church remains “a place of honour.”
He emphasised that Babalola is a “revered father of faith” whose ministry has influenced many churches, including COZA, and prayed for his legacy to “continue to grow in leaps and bounds.”
“I apologise 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,” Fatoyinbo said.
The initial sermon also included accounts of Babalola’s legendary ministry works, such as an incident where a python allegedly dried up after crossing his leg.
However, the CAC maintained that any suggestion equating his spiritual impact to material wealth misrepresents biblical teaching.