RELIGION: Christ Apostolic Church Faults Fatoyinbo’s Remarks On Apostle Babalola

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Christ Apostolic Church has criticised Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo over his comments about the late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, describing them as insensitive and misleading.

In a statement on Thursday, the church’s Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode, said it had become necessary to address Fatoyinbo’s remarks, which were widely circulated on social media.

Fatoyinbo, in a trending message on YouTube, acknowledged Babalola’s anointing but claimed the church pioneer “had no money” before asking, “Where are his children?”

Alawode said equating anointing or ministerial success with material wealth was unbiblical and contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ. He warned that such messages promote greed and corruption in a nation already facing moral decline.

He stressed that Babalola was not poor and lived a life of sacrificial service, generosity, and integrity. He said the cleric supported education, fed the poor, housed many beyond his biological children, and maintained a decent lifestyle without exploiting the pulpit.

According to him, Babalola’s children, Mama Eunice Wuraola Ogini and Apeke Adeniyi, are alive, blessed, and serving God in their churches, though they live quietly and without ostentation.

Alawode recalled that Babalola was called into ministry in 1928 at the age of 24 and that his work extended beyond Nigeria to the Gold Coast, with notable signs and wonders. He noted that in 1956, the late preacher was among the dignitaries honoured during the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Nigeria.

He maintained that the measure of a believer’s anointing is not in material possessions but in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. He urged preachers to avoid teachings that demean those without wealth and to embrace humility

and godly service.