In the wake of shocking revelations made by former disciples of the late cleric, T.B. Joshua, hailing from various nationalities including South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Nigeria, followers of the controversial prophet appear undisturbed by the accusations.
Despite the social media uproar following a BBC documentary exposing T.B. Joshua , the alleged misdeeds of the deceased clergyman, the Ikotun-Egbe area of Lagos State, where the church is situated, displayed no signs of distress when Findwhosabi visited on Wednesday. Commercial activities continued as usual, with shops selling clothes and drinks operating without any apparent concern for the controversies surrounding the late prophet.
The area, known as T.B. Joshua Street, leading to the church, featured large photos of the prophet and his wife. Despite the allegations, life in the vicinity seemed unaffected, with residents going about their daily activities. The church itself remained locked, allowing only church workers to enter and exit.
Investigations revealed two categories of workers in the church: disciples who directly served the late prophet and lived on the premises, and other employees assigned to various departments such as sanitation, medical, and food services.
A former worker, preferring to remain anonymous, disclosed to Findwhosabi’s correspondent that a weekly workers’ service was held every Tuesday. The church claimed to receive over 50,000 visitors weekly for its Sunday services, as reported on its website in 2021. This was supported by data from the Nigeria Immigration Service, indicating that six out of every 10 foreign travelers coming to Nigeria were bound for the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN).
Accommodation was reportedly offered within the church premises at competitive rates in dollars, covering a seven-day stay with two meals daily and additional amenities. Depending on the type of accommodation, fees ranged from $800 for shared bunks to $15,000 for VIP rooms per week.
Findwhosabi’s correspondent encountered a man named Uche and his wife, assuming the reporter intended to stay for the week. Uche, along with others, actively sought out worshippers who couldn’t afford expensive hotel accommodations, pointing to the consistent influx of people seeking solutions to their problems at the church.
According to Adedayo Adekanbi, President of Pilgrims Hostels Association of Nigeria in Ikotun, patronage had decreased since T.B. Joshua’s death, but he believed that the recent allegations would attract curious individuals and worshippers to the area.
Despite the negative reports, some residents and worshippers remained staunch supporters of T.B. Joshua. A resident proudly displayed an ID card bearing the late cleric’s face, emphasizing her unwavering loyalty despite the controversies.
The allegations were seen by some business owners as a boon for the area. Jennifer, a receptionist in a local hotel, referred to the accusations as “good business,” anticipating increased patronage.
While some former disciples accused T.B. Joshua of wrongdoing, others defended him, citing his generosity. One beneficiary, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared her positive experiences, acknowledging the late prophet’s financial assistance and scholarship programs.
In response to the scandal, some residents and worshippers dismissed the accusations as attempts to bring down the church. Despite media reports quoting the church’s Public Affairs Director, Dare Adejumo, as stating that the individuals in the BBC documentary were not known to the church, an official comment from SCOAN is yet to be released.
The Findwhosabi investigation continues, with observers keenly watching for any official response from the Synagogue Church of All Nations.