The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has strongly criticized Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) for what it calls “insensitive and ill-informed” comments about the late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the CAC’s first General Evangelist.

The dispute highlights a growing debate within the Christian community regarding the relationship between spiritual anointing and material wealth.

In a sermon that went viral on YouTube, Pastor Fatoyinbo questioned Babalola’s legacy, stating the apostle was “highly anointed but had no money.” He then asked a rhetorical question, “Where are his children?” These remarks were widely perceived as an attempt to discredit Babalola by associating his ministry with a lack of financial prosperity.

In response, CAC’s Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode, issued a statement refuting Fatoyinbo’s claims. Alawode argued that equating spiritual anointing with financial success promotes a “misleading prosperity narrative.” He referenced Luke 12:15, which cautions against covetousness, and accused Fatoyinbo of a practice similar to Simony, the biblical sin of monetizing spiritual gifts.

Fact-Checking the Claims

Alawode provided details about Apostle Babalola’s life to correct what he called misrepresentations. Babalola received his divine calling in 1928 at the age of 24, and his ministry was marked by powerful signs and wonders across Nigeria and Ghana.

Contrary to claims of poverty, Babalola was a respected figure who lived comfortably, drove a top-model Ford Jeep, and used his resources to support education and assist the poor. His influence was so significant that he was among the dignitaries honored during Queen Elizabeth II’s 1956 visit to Nigeria.

Alawode also confirmed that Babalola’s children, Mama Eunice Wuraola Ogini and Apeke Adeniyi, are alive and active in ministry, though they maintain a more humble public profile.

Pastor Alawode challenged the very foundation of Fatoyinbo’s theology, asking whether wealth is a true measure of a minister’s anointing. He referenced Acts 3:6, where the Apostle Peter famously declared, “Silver and gold I do not have…” before performing a miracle.

The CAC statement added that the Kingdom of God is “not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,” urging ministers to prioritize humility and service over the accumulation of material possessions.

Pastor Fatoyinbo’s comments have ignited a broader conversation among Nigerian Christians, with many clergy now calling for a return to scriptural definitions of ministry success and a reevaluation of the influence of prosperity teachings.