Well-known Nigerian televangelist Temitope Balogun Joshua, also known as TB Joshua, has died, family sources say.
According to multiple reports, the founder of The Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN), died in Lagos on Saturday evening shortly after concluding a programme at his church.
The church management confirmed his death in a statement issued on Sunday. The cause of his death was not stated.
The statement reads:
“On Saturday 5th June 2021, Prophet TB Joshua spoke during the Emmanuel TV Partners Meeting: ‘Time for everything – time to come here for prayer and time to return home after the service’,” the statement said.
“God has taken His servant Prophet TB Joshua home – as it should be by divine will. His last moments on earth were spent in the service of God. This is what he was born for, lived for and died for.
“As Prophet TB Joshua says, “The greatest way to use life is to spend it on something that will outlive it”.
“Prophet TB Joshua leaves a legacy of service and sacrifice to God’s Kingdom that is living for generations yet unborn.
“The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations and Emmanuel TV Family appreciate your love, prayers and concern at this time and request a time of privacy for the family.
“Here are Prophet TB Joshua’s last words: ‘Watch and pray’.”
Mr Joshua reigned for several decades as a fiery preacher on television, using his platform to attract a large number of Christians from across the world. Emmanuel TV, run by Mr Joshua’s SCOAN, is one of Nigeria’s largest Christian broadcast stations, available worldwide via digital and terrestrial switches.
In 2014, his church was at the centre of a multi-national investigation following a section of his church headquarters in Lagos collapsed, leaving dozens killed and many more injured.
Mr Joshua denied allegations of negligence and a trial over the incident was still underway prior to his demise.
May his soul rest in peace!
