Ooni, Mayardit, 195 countries pay tributes to TB Joshua as burial rites begin tomorrow

TB Joshua (tribuneonlineng.com)

Nations, African leaders and eminent personalities across the continent have continued to pay tributes in honour of the late cleric and founder of the Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN), Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua, popularly known as TB Joshua.

The family of the deceased and the church have continued to receive tributes and testimonies on the late cleric from Christians and Muslims, civil society advocates, traditional rulers, politicians and people from all walks of life. Many testified that he had left a great vacuum in the body of Christ.

Tribune Church also gathered that even after the death of the controversial cleric, his followers have grown by 600,000 and about 195 countries have sent tributes in his honour.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, also joined other eminent personalities in eulogising TB Joshua, describing his death as a huge loss to Nigeria, especially the Yoruba race.

According to Ogunwusi, “TB Joshua was a complete follower of Christ and an epitome of kindness, who led by example. Aside from being a cleric, Prophet TB Joshua went several steps ahead to become a globally-celebrated philanthropist, advocate of a justice-filled society and prominent sports lover.

“While it is a fact that he is currently being missed by all, I urge the Christendom to go beyond just mourning but pick lessons from the well-spent lifetime of this great man of God. The preaching and teaching of the word of God must not stop, while the act of giving through philanthropy must also be sustained as initiated and maintained by the late TB Joshua.”

For the White House Prayer For Our Nation, Inc., Prophet TB Joshua was a special gift from God to humanity.

The body said: “He was a herald of the gospel and agent of transformation, economic empowerment and spiritual liberation. He was known by the Christian community here in the United States and around the globe as a man of prayer, prophetic insight, a dynamic teacher, philanthropist and humanitarian.

“For over 25 years, he has been a great source of inspiration through televangelism which has broadly impacted the religious heritage of many nations. His life reflected the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:21-23 – ‘For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know. I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far.”

“It also noted that TB Joshua was indeed a 21st century prophet who had completed his assignment and had made his transition to join our great prophetic ancestors, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, John the Baptist and Zechariah. Several scholars have listed him among the world’s most famous prophets.

“It was always our desire to have Prophet T.B. Joshua to minister at our gathering here in Washington DC, but God had other plans for him in this time and season. We thank God for the thousands of lives who were delivered from spiritual, social and economic bondage through his ministry. He has fought a good fight, he has finished his course and has kept the faith. May his soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine on him,” it added.

South Sudan president, Salva Kiir Mayardit, in his tribute, described TB Joshua as an iconic preacher admired for his strength of character and his faith in God.

Mayardit said: “Prophet TB Joshua was an iconic preacher admired for his strength of character and his faith in God. As you already know, Prophet TB Joshua’s ministry inspired millions across the globe and he has left a rich legacy that will live on eternally.

“As he is mourned all over the world, let his rich legacy of service and sacrifice guide us in this challenging time. I pray that God will give all followers the comfort they need in this hour to cope with his departure.”

Other personalities who also signed the condolence register included former General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church, Prophet S.K. Abiara; Publisher of Ovation International Magazine, Dele Momodu; renowned Nigerian flutist, Tee Mac Omatshola; Secretary-General of Islamic Art and Cultural Centre, Abuja, Alhaji Isa Abdulrazak; famous Nigerian actor, Dr Olusegun Akinremi a.k.a Chief Kanran; former Kogi State Attorney-General, Ben Ikani; High Chief Ajube of Ondo State; Prophet Olonimoyo; Bishop J.A. Akindele and Archbishop Michael Fadeyi.

Also, Tribune Church gathered that plans had been concluded to commence the burial arrangement of the notable cleric from tomorrow (July 5) with a candlelight possession at 6.30 p.m. A tribute service will be held on July 6-7, from 10.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. and service of songs or all night praise at 12.00a.m.

Lying-in-state will be held on July 8 between 11.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m., while interment will hold on July 9 at 10.00 a.m. while a thanksgiving service shall be held on July 11 from 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.

Meanwhile, it was also gathered that the programme will be held as a private service, but open to the public with limited seating. Also, the church promised to broadcast the events on the church’s television station as well as its social media platforms.