In a riveting and controversial documentary titled "Disciples: the cult of T.B. Joshua," released by BBC Africa Eye on Monday, shocking revelations surrounding the late Nigerian pastor, Temitope Joshua, have ignited a wave of opinions and debates across Nigeria.
The 150-minute documentary, presented in three episodes, delves into serious allegations against the renowned pastor, who passed away on June 5, 2021, at the age of 57. The exposé includes firsthand accounts from over 25 individuals, addressing accusations of sexual assault, physical abuse, fabricated miracles, and alleged trauma inflicted by T.B. Joshua.
The investigative piece, conducted over two years, paints a detailed picture of the controversies surrounding T.B. Joshua, a highly influential religious figure and one of Africa's wealthiest pastors. The late preacher, founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Lagos, had gained widespread acclaim during his lifetime for his healing miracles and prophecies.
Following the documentary's release, opinions have surged across the internet, with notable figures like politicians Dele Momodu and Femi Fani-Kayode sharing their views on the unfolding situation.
Former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, a close associate and friend of T.B. Joshua, took to his social media account to express his staunch support. In a recent post, he wrote, “So true! You touched many lives, fought a good fight, stood till the end and established a significant and enduring legacy. No man or institution can destroy it with dirty lies, not even the BBC! Continue to rest in peace, brother and thanks for blessing the Church, the Christian faith, humanity and our beloved nation, Nigeria. We are and shall always be very proud of you.”
Dele Momodu, a Nigerian journalist and publisher of Ovation International Magazine, also voiced his opinion on social media. Mr. Momodu, known for his strong stance, referred to the documentary as a "free advert" and commented, “Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua, in his lifetime, suffered loads of attacks. And even after his death, he continues to generate controversies. Unfortunately, he’s not here to defend himself.”
Despite these impassioned defenses from Femi Fani-Kayode and Dele Momodu, the documentary has sparked a range of reactions on social media. Nigerians have expressed varying opinions, with some steadfastly defending T.B. Joshua's legacy, while others share skepticism and disappointment over the allegations.
The Synagogue Church of All Nations is yet to release any statement addressing the claims made in the documentary. The BBC reached out to the church for comment, but there has been no response to the specific allegations.
The revelations in the documentary raise questions about the legacy of T.B. Joshua and the broader implications for his followers and the religious community he influenced.
