A public theological debate is brewing between two of Nigeria’s prominent church bodies. The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has directly challenged statements made by Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), sparking a conversation about the true meaning of anointing, ministry, and wealth.

 

The controversy began when a video of Pastor Fatoyinbo went viral on social media. In the clip, he acknowledged the anointing of the late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, a revered figure and the first General Evangelist of the CAC, but then went on to question, “Where are his children?” His comments, widely seen as a critique of Babalola’s perceived lack of material wealth, have been described by critics as insensitive and an attack on the legacy of a spiritual icon.

 

Setting the Record Straight

Taste the Goodness: EL Blends All-Natural Cold-Pressed Juices

In a powerful open letter, the CAC’s Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode, fired back, meticulously correcting the narrative and defending Babalola’s legacy. The letter, which has been making rounds on social media platforms, addresses the issue from three core perspectives: scriptural justification, the clarification of truth, and the defense of legacy.

 

Pastor Alawode’s response directly challenges Pastor Fatoyinbo’s prosperity gospel, arguing that equating ministerial success with material wealth is a biblically flawed notion. The letter references Luke 12:15, which cautions against covetousness, stating that “one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

 

The CAC’s rebuttal also tackles the historical inaccuracies presented by the COZA founder. The letter highlights that Apostle Babalola, far from being poor, was blessed and lived a dignified life. It points out that he gave lands to the church, supported the poor, and drove a Ford Jeep, one of the best of his time. This directly counters the perception of him as a “man in rags.”

 

The Question of Children and Legacy

The most poignant part of the CAC’s response is the detailed account of Apostle Babalola’s family. Pastor Alawode confirms that Babalola had children—Mama Eunice Wuraola Ogini and Apeke Adeniyi—who are “alive, blessed, fulfilled, and quietly serving the Lord.” The letter rebukes the “mocking question” from Fatoyinbo as both ill-informed and disrespectful.

 

The CAC argues that the true measure of anointing lies not in material accumulation but in sacrificial service. This is a direct contrast to what the letter terms as “Simony”—the monetization of spiritual gifts—a practice the letter links to Fatoyinbo’s teachings. The CAC concludes by posing a thought-provoking question, asking if Peter was still anointed when he said, “Silver and gold I do not have” in Acts 3:6.

 

A Call for Humility and Truth

The exchange has ignited a significant debate among Christians in Nigeria, with many calling for a return to what they see as more humble, service-oriented ministry.

The CAC’s message concludes with a plea for humility and a prayer that all leaders will rightly divide the Word of Truth.

 

This public confrontation underscores a deeper divide in the Nigerian Christian community between traditional, legacy-based denominations and the modern, prosperity-focused ministries.