Controversy Brews as Pastor Fatoyinbo’s Comments on Apostle Babalola’s Finances Spark Outrage

Lagos, Nigeria – Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) has ignited a significant debate within the Christian community with recent comments he made regarding the late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola. In a sermon that has since gone viral, Fatoyinbo stated, “He was anointed but had no money… All the grace just went like that.”

Fatoyinbo’s remarks have been widely interpreted as a critique of Babalola’s financial status and a suggestion that spiritual anointing without material wealth is an incomplete legacy. His statements have sparked a strong reaction from various ministers and believers who are now weighing in on the issue.

Among the most notable responses is that of Reverend Kesiena Esiri of RCN Warri, who has strongly rebuked Fatoyinbo’s comments. In his own sermon, Esiri defended the integrity and spiritual impact of Apostle Babalola, arguing that his legacy cannot be measured by financial terms. He emphasized the immense spiritual anointing and revival that Babalola brought to Nigeria, stating that his contributions were far more valuable than any amount of money.

The controversy has also drawn a response from the family of the late Apostle. A daughter of Babalola, in a resurfaced interview, clarified that while her father was not a prosperity preacher, he was not poor. She stated that the family has never regretted his selfless service to God and that his spiritual impact was his true wealth.

This debate has opened a wider conversation about the role of wealth in ministry, the legacy of Nigerian Christian pioneers, and the clash between modern prosperity preaching and traditional views of faith and service.

A recent sermon by Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) has ignited a significant debate within the Nigerian Christian community. Fatoyinbo’s comments, in which he stated that the late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola was “anointed but had no money” and that “all the grace just went like that,” have been met with strong criticism.

The Initial Statement During his sermon, Pastor Fatoyinbo discussed the importance of financial prosperity alongside spiritual anointing, using Apostle Babalola as an example of someone who he believes had a powerful anointing but lacked financial success. This perspective suggests that anointing without wealth is a lost opportunity and that financial stewardship is a critical component of a successful ministry.