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The Global Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo, has apologised over his comment about the revered preacher and first general evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Joseph Ayo Babalola. 

Fatoyinbo had in a viral clip labelled the late Babalola as “anointed” but claimed that “all the grace just went like that” because the preacher “had no money” and asked, “Where are his children?”

That comment triggered a backlash with the CAC calling it “both insensitive and ill-informed”.

However, in a statement on his Facebook account late Thursday, the COZA pastor expressed regret over the remark, even though he said the comment had “been misconstrued”.

He wrote, “..I apologise if any other statement made by me has caused any form of distress, hurt, or discontentment to the CAC, the family of the late Apostle Babalola, or his associates. I will never disrespect or speak of them in that manner, either publicly or privately.”

Describing Babalola as a “most distinguished father of faith in Nigeria and indeed all over the world,” the clergyman said “many of the churches in this part of the world take their DNA either directly or indirectly from the ministry and grace over the life of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola of which I cannot but also state categorically that I am a beneficiary”.

“Our church is known worldwide as a place of honour, and I would never in any way or manner take lightly the grace over Apostle Babalola, his children, or his ministry for granted or speak lightly of the same,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

His comment came hours after CAC’s Director of Publicity, Ade Alawode, said the Abuja-based cleric’s claim was “Biblically flawed”.

Alawole, in the CAC statement, stated, “To equate anointing or ministerial success with material wealth is biblically flawed. The words of Jesus are clear: Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses — Luke 12:15.”

“Ethically speaking, Apostle Babalola had children. Simple arithmetic should help you understand that they would be advanced in age by now — possibly your grandparents’ age. What did you hope to achieve with the mocking question, ‘Where are the children of Babalola?’

“Your statement reflects more on the kind of company you keep, but as a preacher of the Word, shouldn’t your conduct and utterances be guided by Scripture?

“Where in the Bible does your brand of prosperity theology originate — one that demeans people for not being wealthy?

After days of speculations about the alleged killing of a student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, the management of the institution has confirmed the killing of one of its students during a sign-out ceremony.

According to a statement issued by the Registrar, Olayinka Balogun, the incident occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Ultramodern Wazo Market in Ogbomoso.

The victim, identified as Babalola Marvelous Olanrewaju, a 300-level student of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, was reportedly shot during the gathering and later succumbed to his injuries.

READ ALSO: Ogbomoso Nightclub Shooting Victim Not Our Student — LAUTECH 

Balogun noted that the university had prohibited sign-out activities since 2023 and had formally warned hotels and event venues in and around Ogbomoso against hosting such celebrations.

Despite the ban, preliminary investigations revealed that a group of students held a sign-out ceremony on a football pitch within the Wazo Ultramodern Market.

The event turned fatal when the deceased was allegedly shot at the venue which ultimately led to his death.

Upon receiving a distress call, Channels Television learnt that the acting dean of student affairs contacted the Oyo State Police Command in Ogbomoso, prompting the deployment of personnel from the monitoring unit and area command.

A search of the victim’s belongings helped confirm his identity through the university records.

His remains were taken to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital morgue.

The institution stated that it was cooperating fully with the police in the ongoing investigation and had notified the victim’s parents.

“The management extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.