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Biodun Fatoyinbo: Biography, Life, Ministry, Net Worth, And Achievements
Biodun Fatoyinbo is a renowned Nigerian pastor, best known as the founder and Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA). His life and ministry have been marked by significant growth, influence, and controversies. Despite these ups and downs, he remains a prominent figure in Nigeria’s religious landscape.
Early Life and Education
Biodun Fatoyinbo was born on January 1, 1976. He hails from Ogbomosho in Oyo State, Nigeria. His early life and education saw him attending the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), where he began his journey into ministry. While on campus, he became active in Christian student fellowships and eventually assumed leadership roles. This marked the beginning of his calling into ministry.
His wife, Modele Fatoyinbo, has been an integral part of his ministry from the early days, providing unwavering support even before COZA rose to prominence. Pastor Biodun’s educational journey extended beyond Ilorin, with some reports indicating that he also attended the University of Benin.
The Birth of COZA
In 1999, Pastor Biodun founded the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) in Ilorin, Kwara State. COZA started small, but through a combination of charisma, strategic leadership, and visionary thinking, it grew exponentially. COZA became widely known for its energetic worship sessions, youthful congregation, and focus on prosperity preaching.
The church expanded beyond its initial location, opening branches in major Nigerian cities such as Abuja (2008), Lagos (2012), Port Harcourt (2016), and even Dubai (2017). The Abuja branch, in particular, is the headquarters and one of the largest congregations under COZA's umbrella, with thousands of members attending services both physically and online.
Today, COZA is recognized as a megachurch, boasting over 20,000 members across its branches in Nigeria and Dubai. Additionally, Fatoyinbo’s sermons are widely consumed online, with an estimated 40,000 people regularly tuning in from other parts of the world.
Ministry and Achievements
Fatoyinbo's ministry is characterized by a focus on prosperity theology, which teaches that faith in God can lead to financial success and well-being. COZA’s services are known for their modern style, incorporating vibrant music, motivational sermons, and contemporary culture to appeal to younger audiences. Pastor Biodun is also a skilled musician, known for his guitar and vocal talents. He owns a music label, Gratitude, which gained prominence with the success of its hit song "Raba Raba Eh." The song earned his label the UK Gospel Touch Music Award.
Fatoyinbo’s leadership has propelled COZA to become one of the most popular churches in Nigeria, frequented by influential celebrities and public figures. Notable names such as Banky W, Adesua Etomi, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, and others have been seen attending COZA events.
Beyond ministry, Fatoyinbo and his wife Modele founded COZA Care Foundation, a philanthropic arm of their ministry aimed at giving back to the community. Through this foundation, the couple has reached over 15,000 widows and 5,000 orphans, providing them with food, clothing, and financial assistance. Their Business Setup Initiative has also helped widows become financially independent by providing start-up funds. Additionally, COZA Care has focused on improving access to clean water in impoverished communities, reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases.
Personal Life
Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo is married to Modele Fatoyinbo, who plays a significant role in COZA’s operations. The couple has four children—two boys and two girls. Modele is also a pastor at COZA, and together, they are seen as a dynamic ministry couple.
Net Worth
Biodun Fatoyinbo is considered one of Nigeria’s wealthiest pastors. His estimated net worth is $5 million, with his income stemming from his ministry activities, business ventures, and music label. COZA’s size and influence, combined with its affluent congregation, have contributed significantly to his financial success.
Conclusion
Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo's journey in ministry is one marked by remarkable success, growth, and influence, yet overshadowed by controversies that have shaped his public perception. His leadership has built COZA into one of Nigeria’s largest and most influential churches, with branches both within and outside the country. Despite the accusations and legal battles that have dogged his career, Fatoyinbo remains a prominent figure in Nigeria’s religious community, with a message that continues to resonate with thousands of believers worldwide. His net worth and philanthropic efforts further underscore his impact, not just within the church but also in society at large.
