Biodun Fatoyinbo, Lead Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), is facing heavy criticism from members of Nigeria’s Christian community after making controversial comments about the late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the first General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC).

Pastor Fatoyinbo under fire for 'broke shaming' CAC founder Ayo Babalola

The backlash began after a sermon clip of Fatoyinbo went viral, in which he implied that Apostle Babalola’s spiritual influence diminished after his passing because he “had no money.”

The Viral Remarks

In the sermon video circulating online, Fatoyinbo praised the late CAC leader’s spiritual gifts, calling him “anointed… so anointed,” but then added that “all the grace just went like that” because he lacked wealth.

Recounting Babalola’s ministry, Fatoyinbo narrated an incident in which the cleric’s presence allegedly caused a python to dry up after crossing his leg.

“I was studying recently about what Apostle Babalola did. I stand to be corrected. What God did through Smith Wigglesworth, if they had documented what God did in the life of that man (Babalola), people would be coming here for pilgrimage. He was anointed. So anointed.
Anointed man. Heavy-duty grace, but no money. So all the grace just went like that,” Fatoyinbo said.

CAC Reacts Strongly

The Christ Apostolic Church responded to Fatoyinbo’s comments with a firm statement, describing them as misleading and biblically flawed. The response, signed by the CAC’s Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode, was released on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

“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,” the statement began.
“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.”

Setting the Record Straight

According to the CAC, Apostle Babalola did not live in poverty as implied. The church stated that he resided in a “befitting home,” owned one of the finest Ford Jeeps of his era, and supported many people beyond his biological family.

Pastor Alawode further highlighted the respect Babalola commanded during his lifetime:

“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.”

The CAC spokesperson also clarified that the cleric’s two surviving children are “blessed, fulfilled, and quietly serving the Lord in their respective churches” and are not “loud, ostentatious, or greedy.”

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