The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) founder Prophet TB Joshua’s death has triggered tears and tributes.
He died at 57, one week to his 58th birthday.
He was one of the most controversial and “enigmatic’’ Nigerian pastors of our time, especially with his preaching style and records of miracle performances.
The televangelist’s kinsmen in Arigidi-Akoko, Akoko Northwest Local Government Area of Ondo State are in a mournful mood over his demise.
Obas in Akokoland expressed shock over his sudden death.
The Zaki of Arigidi, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, in a telephone chat, said the community was still in disbelief over the news.
Oba Olanipekun said people had been coming to his palace to confirm the news as well as make arrangements to travel to Lagos where he died.
He said several Obas across Akokoland have been calling him because of the goodwill of the late T.B Joshua extended to sons and daughters of Akokoland.
According to him, “We are going to Lagos to know what really happened. It was shocking news. I have not slept since 1 am when I was informed about the death.
“We are very sad here in Arigidi and the entire Akokoland. Joshua was a good man to everybody. He has been helping everybody.”
The monarch said T.B Joshua must be buried in Arigidi.
“We will bring him for burial. They must bring him here.”
The Chief Imam of Arigidi-Akoko, Alhaji Salisu Musa, an uncle to late T.B Joshua, said the preacher died without any prior sickness.
The Oba, in a statement, said: “I am hereby making a demand that his body must be preserved intact until arrangements are made to examine and/or certify the cause of his death and the body is moved to Arigidi for final burial rights to be announced at a later date.
“On behalf of the Zaki-in-Council, the High Chiefs, the Elders and immediate family members of our late son, I commiserate with the President, the Governor of Ondo State, my beloved people of Arigidi and the people of Nigeria in general for the loss of our illustrious son. I pray that God, in His infinite mercies, will wipe off our tears.”
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State said the deceased was a philanthropist whose exit would be missed by many.
Akeredolu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olatunde Richard, said the renowned man of God was a blessing to humanity and a great ambassador of the state.
“Undoubtedly, Pastor Joshua’s demise came as a rude shock. The pains are not mere emotional flashes; they are indeed piercing. The Ondo-born Pastor and televangelist was a “Pastor Joshua was committed to giving and was more often, inexorably imbued with calmness while lifting the downtrodden. As a televangelist, he did not just win souls for Christ, he was passionate about changing lives.
“He demonstrated timelessly, an alluring service to humanity and compassion by assisting not only his home local government, Akoko North West. Other adjoining local governments in Akoko land benefitted from his large heart of benevolence.
“Of significant note too, Pastor Joshua never hesitated to assist in whatever manner the Ondo State Government desired such. To us in Ondo State, we consider this a personal loss. He was a pride to the Sunshine State.
“Not only Africa is hit hard; this is a great global knock as his Pastor TB Joshua’s ministry attracted immeasurable foreign followership. Christendom has lost a giant.
“The reality of the finality of death truly hurts the heart. But for TB Joshua, he had played his own part of the endless life orchestra; he has departed. We must take solace in his good deeds while here. He is now Heaven’s gain. The people have lost a committed giver. We shall continue to remember his contributions to the development of our State.”
Flags lowered at half mast
Many members of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) broke down and cried uncontrollably on Sunday in Lagos as they struggled to come to terms with the galling reality that they would never see or hear the voice of the founder, Prophet T. B. Joshua, again.
Some of the members could not utter anything audible as tears enveloped their faces each time they tried to say something.
Some of them, who were barely able to speak, told NAN that his death was unfortunate, especially at a time the nation was in need of strong voices to unite it and entrench love and genuine spirituality.
They said that he committed his time on earth to serve God and humanity.
Others, amidst tears, wondered what their lives would be like, in his absence, as he was their saviour in time of material need and in prayer.
One of the mourners kept screaming that God should have taken her, instead of Joshua.
Mrs Melinda Soares, a member of SCOAN, who came in from Seme, said “Baba”, as Joshua was fondly called by his followers, died for Nigeria.
“Baba has finally died for Nigeria! This has always been his wish. I have never seen a man of God like him. He does what he says and says what he does.
“He still said the same thing yesterday on the mountain where we went. His death is a pointer to the fact that God’s will for Nigeria is finally coming to pass,” Soares said.
Mr Perter Lucas, another member, said God took Joshua at a very early age so that, through him, there would be peace in Nigeria.
Mrs Ifeoma Cherechi, a member of the Church, said Joshua had been her helper over the years.
“Now that he is gone, I am at a loss. Without him, I would not have known Lagos State.
“God, please bring Baba back and take us. He should not die. Let it be that you called him to give him a message to us.
“He has been a good father to me, my landlord and my children, both financially, spiritually and physically. He has always been there for me. What will be my worth now? How will my life and that of my family be?” she cried.
Members who came to worship but couldn’t gain access to the Church auditorium continued to praise and worship at the Church entrance.
They prayed for the repose of Joshua’s soul and prayed that God would bring him back to life.
