Christ Apostolic Church tackles COZA pastor, Abiodun Fatoyinbo over claims on founder, Apostle Ayo Babalola
Pastor Fatoyinbo, while delivering a sermon in his Abuja headquarters of his church claimed that Apostle Babalola died a poor man despite being highly anointed by God.
The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has replied the founder and senior pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Rev Biodun Fatoyinbo, over some claims he made about its first General Evangelist, late Joseph Apostle Ayo Babalola.
Fatoyinbo, while delivering a sermon in his Abuja headquarters of his church claimed that Apostle Babalola died a poor man despite being highly anointed by God.
The 50 yesrs old COZA pastor also claimed that Babalola’s children may not be doing well in life since the passing of their father.
He said the late clergyman was highly anointed “but no money. All his grace just went like that. Where are his children? Where are his children? I’m sure some of them will hate God. I don’t want to mention people’s names.”
Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo
But the CAC, in a statement signed by its Director of Publicity, Christ Apostolic Church, Pastor Ade Alawode, faulted Pastor Fatoyinbo for equating anointing with material wealth.
Alawode said the words of Jesus in Luke 12:15 are very clear, but that the COZA pastor’s teaching suggests otherwise.
Luke 12:15 says, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
The spokesperson said, “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?”
On Babalola’s children, Alawode said “Ethically speaking, Apostle Babalola had children. Simple arithmetic should help you understand that they would be advanced in age by now — possibly your grandparents’ age. What did you hope to achieve with the mocking question, “Where are the children of Babalola?”
“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?”
About Apostle Babalola
Born in 1904 in Odo Owa in the present-day Kwara State, Apostle Babalola began his ministry in 1928 at the age of 24.
He is reputed to be one of the most anointed men of God in Nigeria.
During his ministry, which spanned the defunct Western region and Ghana (then known as Gold Coast), Babalola performed incredible miracles, signs and wonders.
His ministry was marked with fervent evangelism, faith healing, and a focus on spiritual warfare against evil powers.
Babalola is renowned for his role in the 1930 Oko revival, a period of intense spiritual awakening in Nigeria.
He died in 1959.
Read the full statement by CAC
Dear Pastor Abiodun Fatoyinbo
Greetings to you in the Name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Ordinarily, we do not respond to social media commentaries or controversies. However, we consider it necessary to address your recent statements, which have been widely circulated on your social media platforms, for the following three reasons:
1. Scriptural Justification — The Bible permits us to respond wisely to folly to prevent arrogance ( of Truth — To correct the misleading narrative you are promoting about ministry and wealth.
3. Defense of Legacy — To address the inaccurate claims you’ve made regarding the life and ministry of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the first General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church.
In one of your trending messages on YouTube, you acknowledged that Apostle Babalola was highly anointed but “had no money”, and then went on to ask sarcastically, “Where are his children?” — a question that was both insensitive and ill-informed.
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?
On the Question of Apostle Babalola’s Children
Ethically speaking, Apostle Babalola had children. Simple arithmetic should help you understand that they would be advanced in age by now — possibly your grandparents’ age. What did you hope to achieve with the mocking question, “Where are the children of Babalola?”
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?
Setting the Record Straight
For the sake of truth and posterity, let me correct the public misrepresentations you’ve made regarding Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola:
1. Calling
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.
2. Wealth and Lifestyle
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.
When Queen Elizabeth II visited Nigeria in February 1956, Apostle Babalola was among the honored guests. Would a man in rags be granted such recognition by a colonial government? Certainly not.
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.
3. Family
His children — Mama Eunice Wuraola Ogini and Apeke Adeniyi — are alive, blessed, fulfilled, and quietly serving the Lord in their respective churches. They are not loud, ostentatious, or greedy.
4. Legacy
Apostle Babalola’s anointing impacted generations. More than 66 years after his passing, his legacy continues to inspire and bless countless lives and ministries. That is true impact.
Let me pose a question to you:
When Peter said in Acts 3:6, “Silver and gold I do not have…” — was he still anointed or not?
I leave that for you to ponder.
5. Conclusion
The measure of a believer’s anointing is not in material accumulation, but in sacrificial service.
“For the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 14:17.
Jesus taught:
“Whoever desires to be great among you, let him be your servant… just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” — Matthew 20:25–28.
Once again,
“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” — Luke 12:15.
May God give us all the grace to rightly divide the Word of Truth, and to walk in humility, reverence, and godly wisdom.
Pastor Ade ALAWODE (Director of Publicity, Christ Apostolic Church)
