Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly has apologised to the family of late Apostle Ayo Babalola, founder of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), over comments he made about the late apostle.
In a now-viral clip, Fatoyinbo described Babalola as “anointed… so anointed” but claimed that “all the grace just went like that” because he “had no money.”
Reacting, the CAC, in a strongly worded statement on Thursday, signed by its Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode, accused Fatoyinbo of promoting a misleading link between ministerial success and material wealth.
In response, Fatoyinbo issued a statement on Thursday acknowledging the CAC’s concerns and apologising for any hurt caused.
“My attention has been drawn to a press release on statements credited to my person relating to the family of the Late and Highly Revered Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, a most distinguished father of faith in Nigeria and indeed all over the world.
“I appreciate the fact that a church I personally love, admire and respect would be so kind and magnanimous enough to address the issues which have been misconstrued in an exemplary Christian manner. I am indeed grateful,” the statement read partly.
He however insisted that he did not speak ill of Babalola’s children and acknowledged that the CAC was his formative church that cannot be erased in his life, adding that his church is worldwide place of honour.
“Let me state however that at no time in the sermon did I refer to the children of the late Apostle and Father of faith in bad light. I would never do that. The raw copy of the message is online and this can be verified.
“I would never in any way of manner take lightly the grace over Apostle Babalola, his children or his ministry for granted or speak lightly of same,” he said.
“I am also aware that the children of the late Veteran of faith, who are all serving God and keeping up the legacy of our late father of faith are not only shining examples of generational impact, but good and present-day examples for children of visionaries to follow,” he added.
He further stated that Babalola is a highly revered father of faith, whose ministry had shaped many churches, including his own, and prayed that the late evangelist’s legacy continues to grow in leaps and bounds.
“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.
“I pray that this puts to rest the entire episode and we pray that the CAC and the legacy of our father Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, continues to grow in leaps and bounds,” he appealed.
