A BBC Eye Africa investigative report revealing allegations of sexual and physical abuse against the late Nigerian televangelist TB Joshua has sparked varied reactions among his followers, raising concerns about the impact on the church’s image in Africa.
While some staunch members of the Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) have dismissed the allegations as baseless, calling them a form of blackmail after the preacher’s death, others have expressed worry about the potential damage to the evangelical body’s reputation.
Jerry Edet, a SCOAN member, echoed the sentiment of blackmail while expressing disbelief in the allegations, questioning their origin and personal experiences within the church premises.
His words: “Don’t judge anybody when you yourself are going to be judged.
“I have gone around the synagogue church, I have even slept there, and I don’t know where all these stories are coming from. To me, it might be a kind of blackmailing.”
Contrary to Edet’s views, Pastor Joseph Adeleke from Lagos voiced concerns that the allegations could harm the evangelical community, especially for ministries emphasizing prophecy, deliverance, and miracles.
“The allegations will bring terrible things upon the evangelical body, especially those of us in the prophetic, deliverance, and miracle ministry.
“It will cause terrible setbacks for the church,” Adeleke said.
He highlighted potential setbacks and loss of trust among church members.
This sentiment resonated beyond Nigeria, reaching South Africa, where Freeman Bhengu, from a civil society organization, remarked on the prevalence of similar accusations against preachers, underscoring the impact on societal perception and vulnerability to false promises.
TB Joshua, known for his faith healing and televised crusades, garnered global fame and controversy during his ministry.
Critics raised doubts about the authenticity of his miracles, and he faced scrutiny over incidents such as a fatal building collapse at his church in 2014.
His unexpected death in 2021 left discussions about the future of SCOAN in the hands of his wife, Evelyn, and a team of disciples, continuing the preacher’s mission amidst ongoing controversy and division among followers.
