The Emir of Zuru in Kebbi State, Major General Muhammad Sani Sami Gomo II (rtd), has passed away at the age of 79.

A palace source confirmed to Tribune Online that the one-time military governor of Bauchi State died today (Sunday) in his palace in Zuru.

Born in Zuru, the late monarch joined the Army on 10 December 1962 and attended training courses both in Nigeria and abroad.

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The first-class monarch was appointed military governor of Bauchi State after a coup on 31 December 1983 that brought in late General Muhammadu Buhari to power.

He held office until August 1985, when General Ibrahim Babangida took over from Buhari.

Details later…

The Christ Apostolic Church has accepted the apology of the Global Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, Biodun Fatoyinbo, after his recent remarks about the CAC’s late founder, Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, stirred outrage.

Speaking on behalf of the church, the Director of Publicity for CAC, Pastor Aderinsoye Alawode, said the apology was received in good faith, noting that it reflected remorse and a willingness to make amends.

Fatoyinbo, while delivering a sermon, had said Apostle Babalola was anointed but had no money.

He also said Babalola died poor and questioned the whereabouts of his children.

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“I was studying recently about what Apostle Babalola did. I stand to be corrected. What God did through Smith Wigglesworth, if they had documented what God did in the life of that man (Babalola), people would be coming here for pilgrimage. He was anointed. So anointed. Anointed man. Heavy-duty grace, but no money. So, all the grace just went like that,” Fatoyinbo said.

But reacting, the CAC, in a statement on Thursday, signed by Alawode, accused Fatoyinbo of promoting a misleading link between ministerial success and material wealth.

“Ordinarily, we do not respond to social media commentaries or controversies. However, we consider it necessary to address your recent statements, which have been widely circulated on your social media platforms.

“In one of your trending messages on YouTube, you acknowledged that Apostle Babalola was highly anointed but ‘had no money,’ and then went on to ask sarcastically, ‘Where are his children?’ — a question that was both insensitive and ill-informed.

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“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,” the church said.

Also reacting, the first daughter of Apostle Babalola, Deaconess Eunice Ogini, said her father lived a life of service to God and humanity, and that his children continued in his footsteps.

She rejected the claim that he died poor or left no tangible legacy, stressing that both she and her sister were blessed and lived comfortable lives as a result of his values and generosity.

Following the backlash, Pastor Fatoyinbo in a statement on Thursday, apologised to CAC and the children of Apostle Babalola.

He insisted that he did not speak ill of Babalola’s children and maintained that his church was “a place of honour.”

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“Let me state however, that at no time in the sermon did I refer to the children of the late Apostle and Father of faith in bad light. I would never do that. The raw copy of the message is online, and this can be verified.

“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.

“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,” Fatoyinbo said.

Reacting to the development in an interview with The PUNCH, Alawode commended Fatoyinbo for taking steps to address the matter, saying his apology showed humility and a willingness to make amends.

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“He (Fatoyinbo) realised that the statement he made evoked some feelings in some people, and he took steps to correct himself. That is what is needed; it means he has shown remorse.

“Maybe he made the statement in error and once he has (Fatoyinbo) realised that and corrected himself, that is alright,” Alawode said.

He noted that CAC’s concern was not to accuse Fatoyinbo of malicious intent, but to clarify public misconceptions his remarks might have created.

“We too did not say he spoke of them (Apostle Babalola and his children) in bad light, but we just wanted to correct the impression given that maybe Baba did not even have any children at all. The children are alive and all of them are doing well in their various fields of endeavour. They have already retired from government service, and they are church leaders in their own right,” he added.

The Apostolic Church has advised African leaders to shun “oppressive policies” against Christians, asking them to prioritise the welfare of the people in their countries.

It also appealed to churches embroiled in legal disputes between leaders and members to withdraw such cases from the courts and resolve their differences amicably.

The National President of TAC Nigeria, Pastor Lawrence Oladele, said this during the church’s African Leaders’ Conference held at the church’s National Temple in Ketu, Lagos, on Friday.

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Oladele also admonished politicians to rule with the fear of God for the African continent to prosper in human and material resources.

“They should stop oppressive policies against Christians; persecutions, and even killings of Christians directly and indirectly by known and unknown bandits without justice for the victims,” Oladele said.

Also speaking, the Coordinator of the conference and President of TAC Ghana, Pastor Aaron Ami-Narh, called the church leaders to embrace youths and empower them with the Apostolic doctrines for a better African society.

“You’re responsible for your life. The church must be a good example for African nations so as to have a greater future. We must also pray for the leaders,” Ami-Narh said.