The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has criticised the lead Pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, Biodun Fatoyinbo, over his recent statement regarding late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola.
Pastor Fatoyinbo had, in one of his messages, reportedly said that despite the deluge of anointing by Apostle Babalola, he died poor while questioning the whereabouts of his children.
Reacting to the remark, the Church’s Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode, in a statement on Thursday, described Fatoyinbo’s remark as insensitive and ill-informed.
Alawode insisted that Fatoyinbo’s claim was inaccurate, stressing that Apostle Babalola lived a befitting lifestyle without exploiting the pulpit.
While berating Pastor Fatoyinbo for questioning the whereabouts of Apostle Babalola’s children, Alawode said his brand of preaching is encouraging greed, corruption and ungodliness.
The statement read, “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:
“Clarification of Truth: To correct the misleading narrative you are promoting about ministry and wealth.
“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?
“For the sake of truth and posterity, let me correct the public misrepresentations you’ve made regarding Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola:
“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.
“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.
‘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.
“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.”
