The Global Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo, has apologised for his comments about the late General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Joseph Ayo Babalola.
Fatoyinbo had in a viral clip labelled the late Babalola as “anointed” but claimed that “all the grace just went like that” because the preacher “had no money” and asked, “Where are his children?”
The remark was to teach that grace and power should be followed by an understanding of biblical principles, such as stewardship and prosperity.
The controversy sparked a strong reaction from the CAC, with the church’s Director of Publicity, Ade Alawode, describing Fatoyinbo’s comments as “both insensitive and ill-informed.”
Alawode argued that equating anointing or ministerial success with material wealth was biblically flawed and that Fatoyinbo’s question about Babalola’s children was mocking and unjustified
However, in a statement on his Facebook account on Thursday, Fatoyinbo expressed regret over his remarks, saying that they had been “misconstrued.”
He described Babalola as a “most distinguished father of faith in Nigeria and indeed all over the world”.
Fatoyinbo acknowledged the significant impact of Babalola’s ministry on his own church and many others.
He emphasised that his church, COZA, is known for its honour and that he would never intentionally disrespect Babalola’s legacy or speak lightly of his ministry.
Fatoyinbo apologised for any distress or hurt caused by his remarks, emphasising his respect for Babalola’s legacy and ministry.
He wrote, “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.
”I will never disrespect or speak of them in that manner, either publicly or privately.”
