Deaconess Eunice Wuraola Ogini, the first daughter of the late Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, has urged pastors to verify facts before making statements from the pulpit.
Her comments came in response to remarks by Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), who claimed that Apostle Babalola was “highly anointed but had no money” and questioned the whereabouts of his children.
Deaconess Ogini refuted the claim that her father died poor, stating that he lived a comfortable life and she highlighted that her father’s ministry was focused on the gospel and transforming lives, not on accumulating personal wealth.
“My father, in his lifetime, preached the gospel of Christ without compromise. In his crusades, people would bring their idols and occultic materials to be destroyed by fire. His emphasis was on repentance from sin, serving the Lord, and worshipping the living God.” Ogini said.
She also stated that his children are doing well, serving God, and living comfortably because of his legacy and values.
“We, his children, followed his footsteps. I am a deaconess, prayer warrior, and Sunday school teacher in my church, while my sister, Dame Deborah Adeniyi, is a prayer warrior and evangelist in her church, and has been honoured with the Knighthood of John Wesley.”
Ogini, recalling her childhood, said her father’s home was open to people of different ages, tribes, and backgrounds, many of whom he supported through education, apprenticeship, or provision of resources for their chosen trades.
“This was the blessing of God upon his life,” she said. “My father lived a very comfortable life. If anyone doubts my father’s impact upon society, I encourage such a person to visit his tomb site. The place is open to everybody, 24/7, and people go there to pray – and God answers their prayers.”
The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) also issued a strong statement condemning Fatoyinbo’s comments, accusing him of promoting a flawed prosperity gospel.
Ogini echoed this perspective, adding that her father’s true legacy lay in the lives he transformed and the example he set.
“Please honour the Lord when you are on your pulpit,” she said. “Verify the facts before you speak in order to avoid misleading the people of God.”
Following the backlash, Pastor Fatoyinbo issued a public apology, clarifying that his comments were not intended to disrespect the late apostle or his family.
