Fatoyinbo Apologises To CAC, Babalola’s Family Over Comments on Late Founder

The Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, has tendered an unreserved apology to the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), the children of its late founder, Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, and the church’s entire membership over remarks he made in a sermon that drew sharp criticism.

In a statement personally signed and released on Thursday, Fatoyinbo expressed regret for comments made during a teaching on YouTube in which he suggested that poverty had hindered the late Babalola despite his great anointing, and questioned the whereabouts of his children. The CAC had described the remarks as “insensitive, misleading, and theologically flawed.”

During the sermon, Fatoyinbo had urged his congregation to pursue financial stability so as to effectively express their ministry, warning that “poverty kills ministry.”

In his apology, Fatoyinbo said his words were misconstrued and stressed that he never intended to speak ill of Apostle Babalola or his children, whom he described as “shining examples of generational impact” and “worthy models for children of visionaries.”

“I am honoured, humbled and grateful for every word, admonition and correction in the statement issued by the CAC. I am a child who grew up in the church and cannot erase that part of my formative years,” he said.

He reaffirmed his respect for Apostle Babalola’s legacy, noting that many churches in Nigeria, including his own, had drawn inspiration from the late revivalist’s ministry.

“Finally, I apologise if any statement made by me has caused 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,” Fatoyinbo concluded, adding prayers for the continued growth of the CAC and the enduring impact of Apostle Babalola’s ministry.

RE: PRESS RELEASE BY THE CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH (CAC News) ON REV BIODUN FATOYINBO

My attention has been drawn to a press release on statements credited to my person relating to the family of the late and highly revered Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, a most distinguished father of faith in Nigeria and indeed all over the world.

I appreciate the fact that a church I personally love, admire and respect would be so kind and magnanimous enough to address the issues which have been misconstrued in an exemplary Christian manner. I am indeed grateful.

The exploits of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola—which in the video I stated explicitly are too numerous to count—remain the hallmark of most Christian organisations in Nigeria and beyond till this very moment.

Indeed, many of the churches in this part of the world take their DNA either directly or indirectly from the ministry and grace over the life of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, of which I cannot but also state categorically that I am a beneficiary.

I am therefore honoured, 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 bad light. I would never do that. The raw copy of the message is online and this can be verified.

Our church is known worldwide as a place of honour 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.

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 honour them in no small measure.

Finally, I apologise if any 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.

Your Son,

‘Biodun Fatoyinbo