Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, has tendered an apology to the Christ Apostolic Church following public backlash over his recent remarks about the late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the church’s first General Evangelist.
In a sermon that went viral, Fatoyinbo described Babalola as “anointed… so anointed” but claimed that “all the grace just went like that” because he “had no money.”
The CAC, in a statement signed by its Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode, criticised the comments as “insensitive” and “biblically flawed,” rejecting any attempt to link ministerial success with material wealth.
Responding on Thursday, Fatoyinbo acknowledged the church’s concerns and expressed regret for any distress his words may have caused.
“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,” he said.
“I would never in any way take lightly the grace over Apostle Babalola, his children or his ministry for granted or speak lightly of same.”
He described Babalola as a “highly revered father of faith” whose ministry had shaped many churches, including his own, and prayed that the late evangelist’s legacy would “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 added.
“I will never disrespect or speak of them in that manner either publicly or privately.”
The CAC, in its earlier statement, maintained that Babalola was not poor, highlighting that he lived in a befitting home, owned one of the best Ford Jeeps of his time, and was an honoured guest during Queen Elizabeth II’s 1956 visit to Nigeria.
The church insisted that the late evangelist’s two surviving children are “blessed, fulfilled, and quietly serving the Lord.”
