8th January, 2024
By Taiwo Okanlawon
An expose on the alleged secret lives of the late televangelist Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua (TB Joshua) by the British Broadcasting Corporation’s Africa Eye has attracted mixed reactions on social media.
The three-part lengthy video published on YouTube, titled “Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua,” showed video testimonies of several witnesses leveling multiple damning allegations against the late prophet.
BBC spoke to former disciples and church workers, who alleged that the prophet allegedly manipulated and physically abused them into staying with him for many years.
Most of them, mostly from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Namibia, stated that they spent between 10 and 14 years in the Synagogue based on that manipulation.
The report also spoke about the September 12, 2014, building collapse at the Synagogue’s guest house, which claimed the lives of at least 116 people, most of whom were foreigners.
Many social media users have continued to react to the report. While some expressed shock, urging a thorough investigation into the allegations, others are saying it’s paid work to bring down the legacy of the late clergyman.
See some reactions below;
A YouTube user, wrote, “Question: If he was a ritualist as alleged are the evangelists under his wife including her as well ritualists? I’m asking because the same miracles (prophecy excluded) are still happening even after his departure.
“The first video of the deliverance of a woman in black and him in the white suit; I watched it many times on Emmanuel TV and the woman was never slapped. No physical contact at all. As for the alleged daughter, is there a DNA test? I am just trying to figure out things.”
Bernies5673, wrote, “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:12”
Another user, Richiekitche, wrote, “Why didn’t you guys take him to court? Even the lady who said he threatened the family, if you focus on what you have lost, you will lose everything. He meant that you should pull yourself together because thinking won’t solve anything. Is that a threat?
“All of you who said you are there in all the events, are you the only disciples working with him? You were there with him when they were constructing the building. All I see is revenge by a family who lost their loved ones and some disciples who felt they had been used.”
Another user noted, “This is a call for us to be more discerning as believers. There are wolves in sheep’s clothing.”
Another commenter on YouTube, The Mindrest, said, “May the souls of those who lost their lives in that building collapse rest in perfect peace. Amen.
Another user, EmekaNwif, stated, “As a Nigerian, we are tired of fake preachers. They financially extort, are abusive, and corrupt, create discords and manipulate innocent people to their graces all for selfish purposes. Thank you, disciples (especially Sister Bisola) and Ajoke, other victims and BBC for the expose.”
A YouTube user, Cedric YALITA, said, “The more you prosecute us, the more we thrive. For our God is with us. None will be against us. Victory in Jesus’ Name. “Romans 8:31: ‘What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?’ Isaiah 54:17: ‘No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me. “2 Corinthians 4:8-9: ‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.’”
Another YouTube user said, “My father was a Rev. Pastor and devoted Christian. I started doubting Christianity after my father’s demise. After watching clips from the synagogue and multiple sermons from Prophet TB Joshua, I started believing again that Jesus is truly the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
Charles Yekpele also wrote, “I’m here to join the very many wisemen hailing the great works of this great Man of God-Prophet T.B Joshua. He displayed nothing but the pure life of JESUS CHRIST on this earth. I can’t wait to fellowship with him big time in Heaven! All pure works of castigations, lies, and allegations will go nowhere. FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS-PROPHET T.B JOSHUA!!!
A Twitter user, Shadaya wrote, “Whether TB Joshua is guilty of the things he is being accused of or not. Every African should question why the BBC would do a documentary on an African pastor yet not do the same for a European/American billionaire who had a whole island as a hunting ground for pedophiles.
“We are yet to even see or hear a documentary about the alleged attrocities of the royal family as alleged by the late Princess Diana. Why should the BBC write or narrate African stories?”
Oluchi wrote, “Death does not erase sins and won’t stop people from talking about you whether you were good or bad. All these outrage about TB Joshua’s documentary means nothing to me because I know how defensive many Nigerians are when it comes to their religious leaders. There’s also this culture of covering evil with all manner of sentiments.
“He was accused when he was alive and there are videos on the internet. Some of his accusers withdrew their statements for reasons known to them and today, a documentary was released and they are speaking up again. Again, there’s a culture of silencing victims in Nigeria to continue to cover up for offenders but one thing you must know is, justice is like an addiction. Until you get it, you won’t rest — and his accusers are not resting. What did TB Joshua say about these accusations when he was alive? This is why you don’t ignore damaging accusations!
I have my reservations about BBC airing the documentary but if they don’t do it, another media company will still do it! BBC will make money out of this and they wouldn’t be the first to feast on a controversial story, but then, Nigerians must also learn to tell their stories too! Enough of the hush-hush and victim blaming. I won’t dismiss the documentary and will finish all parts released.”
The new leadership of the church is yet to react to the news.