Massive reactions to the BBC African Eye documentary on the late Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) founder, TB Joshua, have come from a variety of sources.
Temitope Balogun Joshua, also referred to as T.B. Joshua, was a charismatic Nigerian televangelist and pastor. He is the founder of the Christian megachurch Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN), which is based in Lagos, Nigeria, and operates the Emmanuel TV television channel. He was one of the most well-liked televangelists in Nigeria.
His demise occurred in June 2021. Because of his enormous worldwide following and the influence of his ministry, he is still regarded as a prominent figure even after his passing. But accusations of abuse against him surfaced in a recent BBC Eye report, which set off a chain reaction.
Diverse Responses
Reactions to the documentary, which describes TB Joshua’s alleged rape, torture, and forced abortions, have been mixed. A few online users have expressed surprise and demanded that the claims be looked into more thoroughly6. Some have backed TB Joshua, casting doubt on the veracity of the allegations and the timing of the documentary’s release following his passing.
TB Joshua passed away, and there is opposition, but an X user (previously Twitter), @reallordisiah, pointed out that his church is still thriving strong.
Here are some reactions from social media to the BBC African Eye documentary on TB Joshua:
- Shock and Call for Investigation: Some users expressed shock and called for deeper probes into the allegations.
- Sympathy for Victims: A YouTube user, The Mindrest, extended condolences to the victims of the building collapse, expressing sympathy for the trauma endured by the disciples.
- Call for Discernment: A YouTube user, King James, remarked, “This is a call for us to be more discerning as believers. There are wolves in sheep’s clothing.”
- Defense of TB Joshua: A YouTube user, Cedric YALITA, cited biblical verses to affirm faith in the face of prosecution. Another user, Shelacy9wd, questioned the allegations, asking if the evangelists under TB Joshua, including his wife, were also considered ritualists.
- Questioning the Timing: Some users have defended TB Joshua, questioning the timing of the documentary’s release after his death and the authenticity of the claims.
These reactions illustrate the complex emotions and perspectives surrounding the late televangelist’s legacy.
SCOAN’s Reaction
The BBC account has been refuted by SCOAN, which has emphasized that persecution of God’s messengers is nothing new in human history.
Public Attitude
People seem to be feeling a mixture of rejection, bewilderment, and disbelief5. The two-year investigative report by BBC Africa Eye documents victim accounts of forced abortions, rapes, and extended confinement in a hidden Lagos property for almost twenty years.
The longer of the two YouTube videos, which clocks up at over 150 minutes, is titled “Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua.” It includes testimonies from departed disciples and church employees.
Reactions to the TB Joshua documentary on BBC Eye bring to light the intricacies and disputes surrounding the life and work of the deceased preacher. It remains to be seen what other developments will occur as the conversation goes on.
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