The Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo, has apologised to the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) following public criticism of remarks he made about the late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the church’s first General Evangelist.
The controversy erupted after a sermon clip went viral in which Fatoyinbo referenced Babalola’s spiritual anointing but claimed his “grace” did not endure because he lacked wealth. The statement drew a sharp rebuke from the CAC, which faulted the pastor for linking spiritual impact to financial prosperity.
In a public statement, Fatoyinbo expressed regret for any distress caused, insisting his words were taken out of context and were never intended to demean Babalola, his children, or his ministry.
“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 said. “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.”
Describing the late evangelist as a revered “father of faith” whose work influenced many churches, including COZA, Fatoyinbo prayed for the continued growth of Babalola’s legacy and urged that the controversy be laid to rest.
