Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo Recounts How Members Left His Church Over His Remark On Petrol Price

Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, founder and senior pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), recently recounted how some church members departed after he stated that Christians would still purchase petrol even if its price soared dramatically.

He shared this during a sermon, posted on YouTube, in which he discussed faith, speech, and the importance of maintaining trust in God despite challenging situations. Reflecting on a time when fuel cost around 15 naira per litre and public frustration was high, Fatoyinbo recalled telling his congregation that they would continue buying petrol even if the price reached 1,000 naira.

“I was pastoring when fuel hit 15 naira and people were protesting,” he said. “I told them, ‘Even if it becomes 1,000 naira, we’ll still buy it.’”

That statement, he noted, upset some members, prompting them to leave the church. “People left—right from this very congregation,” he remarked.

Fatoyinbo clarified that his intention wasn’t to discourage civic expression or prevent people from holding authorities accountable. “I’m not saying don’t protest,” he emphasized, urging believers not to base their sense of security solely on government actions.

He also warned against placing excessive reliance on political leaders, stressing that a Christian’s life should not hinge on political outcomes. “Your existence doesn’t depend on the government,” he stated, questioning whether any leader could ever take office and satisfy everyone.

Drawing from decades of observing Nigerian politics, including involvement in campaigns since 1979, Fatoyinbo said his views were shaped by experience and what he believes to be divine guidance.

He called on Christians to become more aware and not let political developments dictate their mindset. His message was rooted in a biblical account where God told Jeremiah not to dwell on his youth or speak out of fear, but to deliver the words God gave him.

According to Fatoyinbo, believers must speak with confidence and positivity, regardless of circumstances. He stressed the importance of controlling one’s speech, arguing that disciplined speech helps bring order to other aspects of life.