Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) has stirred controversy in Nigeria’s Christian community after making remarks about the late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the first General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC).
In a sermon that has since gone viral, Fatoyinbo praised Babalola as “so anointed,” but controversially claimed that “all the grace just went like that” because Babalola “had no money.”
He also recalled an incident where a python allegedly dried up after crossing Babalola’s leg.
Speaking on the evangelist’s legacy, Fatoyinbo said “If what God did in Babalola’s life had been documented, people would come here for pilgrimage. He had heavy-duty grace—but no money. So all the grace just went like that.”
The Christ Apostolic Church responded sharply, condemning the pastor’s statements in a statement signed by Pastor Ade Alawode, its Director of Publicity. The church accused Fatoyinbo of wrongly equating spiritual power with material wealth.
“To equate anointing with wealth is biblically flawed,” the CAC stated, citing Luke 12:15: “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
The church also addressed Fatoyinbo’s rhetorical question, “Where are his children?” calling it “insensitive and ill-informed.”
Contrary to Fatoyinbo’s claim, the CAC emphasized that Apostle Babalola was not poor.
“He lived in a befitting home, drove one of the best Ford Jeeps of his time, and supported many beyond his biological children,” Alawode said.
They also highlighted Babalola’s national recognition, noting that he was among the dignitaries honored during Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Nigeria in 1956.
“Would a man in rags receive such recognition from the colonial government? Certainly not,” Alawode added.
According to the CAC, Babalola’s two surviving children are “blessed, fulfilled, and serving God faithfully,” although not in the public eye.
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