Biodun Fatoyinbo, the Global Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, COZA, has apologized for comments he made about the late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola.
The Abuja-based preacher was alleged to have stated during a recent sermon that Apostle Babalola, the first General Evangelist of the CAC and a central figure in Nigeria’s Pentecostal history, died a poor man.
In reaction to the backlash, Fatoyinbo issued a clarification, stating that his words had been taken out of context a
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.”
He noted Babalola is “most distinguished father of faith in Nigeria and indeed all over the world,” the clergyman said “many of the churches in this part of the world take their DNA either directly or indirectly from the ministry and grace over the life of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola of which I cannot but also state categorically that I am a beneficiary”.
“Our church is known worldwide as a place of honour, and I would never in any way or manner take lightly the grace over Apostle Babalola, his children, or his ministry for granted or speak lightly of the same,” he wrote on his Facebook page.
However, Director of Publicity, Ade Alawode, while responding to his claims said his “claim was “Biblically flawed”.
According to him 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.”
“Ethically speaking, Apostle Babalola had children. Simple arithmetic should help you understand that they would be advanced in age by now — possibly your grandparents’ age. What did you hope to achieve with the mocking question, ‘Where are the children of Babalola?’
“Your statement reflects more on the kind of company you keep, but as a preacher of the Word, shouldn’t your conduct and utterances be guided by Scripture?
“Where in the Bible does your brand of prosperity theology originate — one that demeans people for not being wealthy?
“Isn’t such a message encouraging greed, corruption, and godlessness, especially in a nation already struggling with moral decay?”.
