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The Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF) has backed Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth Zion Assembly (COZA) over statements he made about the late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the first evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC).
Controversy began after a sermon clip circulated online in which Fatoyinbo spoke about Babalola’s spiritual anointing but claimed his “grace” did not endure because he lacked wealth.
The statement drew a stern response from CAC, which accused him of wrongly linking spiritual impact to financial status.
Addressing the matter, Fatoyinbo issued a public statement admitting the concerns raised by CAC and expressing regret for any hurt his words caused.
He stressed that he never intended to insult Babalola’s children or tarnish his ministry, describing the late evangelist as a respected father of faith whose work influenced many churches, including his own.
The COZA pastor said his words were taken out of context by people who intentionally took just a part of what he said.
Defending Fatoyinbo in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, CCYF Convener James Paul Adama said the claims circulating on social media were a misunderstanding of Pastor Fatoyinbo’s words.
He said the COZA leader holds all fathers of the Christian faith in high esteem, adding that Pastor Fatoyinbo has since apologised to the family of Apostle Babalola and the leadership of the CAC.
According to CCYF, the statement attributed to Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo was unfortunately and regrettably misunderstood.
The group statement read: “Recently, Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth Zion Assembly (COZA) was alleged to have made disparaging comments about the Highly Revered Apostle Ayo Babalola, the First Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC).
“Following a thorough investigation, we have discovered that the statement attributed to Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo was unfortunately and regrettably misunderstood, the statement was not intended to harm or insult the highly respected Apostle Ayo Babalola or his esteemed family in any way.
“For the avoidance of fact the monumental legacy of the illustrious Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola transcends generations and continues to resonate within the hearts and minds of countless believers across Nigeria and beyond.
“The innumerable and incalculable feats achieved by this revered servant of God are woven into the very fabric of our Christian heritage, serving as beacons of inspiration and guidance for countless ministries and organizations.
“Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo clearly stated to us in the cause of our investigation that he holds all Fathers of our Cherish Faith in High esteem and with great respect and will never make or do anything to disrespect them nor their legacy.
“Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo has taken further steps by apologizing to the Patriarch, Apostle Ayo Babalola, His Family and the Christ Apostlic Church (CAC).
“We wish to make it clear that there’s no cause for alarm as the Christian community and denominations in Nigeria remain united, and we condemn any attempts to sow discord among our ranks.
“To those who seek to spread false information and create division for the sake of sensationalism, let us remind you that your actions will not go unpunished. The wrath of the Almighty will be swift and fierce upon those who use His name for their own gain.”
The post Apostle Babalola: ‘Pastor Fatoyinbo’s Statement Unfortunately And Regrettably Misunderstood’ appeared first on Naija News.
