The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has issued a strong rebuttal to comments made by Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo regarding the life and ministry of its first General Evangelist, Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola.
In a statement signed by Pastor Ade Alawode, Director of Publicity, CAC, the church said it was “necessary to address your recent statements… for the following three reasons: Scriptural Justification… Clarification of Truth… Defense of Legacy.”
The statement was in response to Fatoyinbo’s viral message in which he reportedly acknowledged that Apostle Babalola was highly anointed but “had no money” and went on to ask sarcastically, “Where are his children?”
Describing the remarks as “both insensitive and ill-informed,” CAC said equating anointing with material wealth is “biblically flawed,” quoting Luke 12:15 — “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
The church accused Fatoyinbo of promoting “what the Bible refers to as Simony — the monetization of spiritual gifts (Acts 8:18–24)” and asked, “Which Bible do you read and preach from?”
On the issue of Apostle Babalola’s family, the statement stressed: “Apostle Babalola had children… What did you hope to achieve with the mocking question, ‘Where are the children of Babalola?’”
The CAC spokesman challenged Fatoyinbo’s brand of prosperity preaching, asking, “Where in the Bible does your brand of prosperity theology originate — one that demeans people for not being wealthy?”
Setting the record straight, CAC detailed Apostle Babalola’s calling, ministry impact, and lifestyle, noting that while he was not materialistic, he was blessed and generous:
“He gave lands to the Church, supported the education of many, fed the poor, and lived sacrificially… He lived in a befitting home, drove one of the best Ford Jeeps of his time, and funded weddings, education, and apprenticeship programs — all without exploiting the pulpit.”
“His children — Mama Eunice Wuraola Ogini and Apeke Adeniyi — are alive, blessed, fulfilled, and quietly serving the Lord in their respective churches. They are not loud, ostentatious, or greedy.”
The church also reminded Fatoyinbo of Acts 3:6: “Silver and gold I do not have…” asking, “was he still anointed or not?”
Quoting Romans 14:17 — “For the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” — and Matthew 20:25–28, the statement concluded:
“The measure of a believer’s anointing is not in material accumulation, but in sacrificial service… May God give us all the grace to rightly divide the Word of Truth, and to walk in humility, reverence, and godly wisdom.”
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
