Church Slams COZA’s Fatoyinbo Over ‘Grace Without Money’ Remark On Founder
The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has issued a strongly worded response to Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, founder of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), over comments he made about the late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the church’s first General Evangelist.
In a recent sermon, Fatoyinbo described Babalola as “anointed… so anointed” but claimed that “all the grace just went like that” because he “had no money.”
Fatoyinbo recounted: “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. Anointed man, so anointed. Heavy-duty grace, but no money. So, all the grace just went like that,” he added.
The COZA pastor’s statement has sparked heated debate in the Christian community.
Reacting on Thursday, the CAC, in a statement by its Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode, accused Fatoyinbo of promoting a misleading link between ministerial success and material wealth.
“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 read in part.
“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, the CAC maintained that Babalola was not poor, emphasising that he lived in a “befitting home,” owned one of the best Ford Jeeps of his time, and provided for many beyond his biological children.
“When Queen Elizabeth II visited Nigeria in February 1956, Apostle Babalola was among the honoured guests. Would a man in rags be granted such recognition by a colonial government? Certainly not,” the statement stressed.
It added that his two surviving children are “blessed, fulfilled, and quietly serving the Lord in their respective churches,” noting that they are not loud, ostentatious, or greedy.
The church urged Fatoyinbo to reflect on biblical teachings, reminding him that the true measure of anointing lies in sacrificial service and humility, not wealth or possessions.
Church Slams COZA’s Fatoyinbo Over ‘Grace Without Money’ Remark On Founder is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
