The prominent Nigerian televangelist Temitope Balogun Joshua popularly known as TB Joshua died on Saturday hours after presiding over a program at his Lagos-based megachurch on Saturday, his church reported.
Prophet TB Joshua, the founder of The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), passed away one week before his 58th birthday. The cause of his death is not yet known.
"On Saturday 5th June 2021, Prophet TB Joshua spoke during the Emmanuel TV Partners Meeting: "Time for everything — time to come here for prayer and time to return home after the service," TB Joshua Ministries wrote in a Facebook post. "God has taken His servant Prophet TB Joshua home — as it should be by divine will. His last moments on earth were spent in the service of God. This is what he was born for, lived for, and died for."
TB Joshua's church hosts thousands of followers on social media and international guests seeking prosperity teachings, and purported healings and miracles.
The self-professed prophet also owns the Emmanuel TV, accessible across the globe where he ministers and his humanitarian outreaches are showcased.
However, he has not been without controversy. Media reports indicate that recently his YouTube channel was deactivated after he posted videos claiming to 'cure' gay members of his congregation of their sexuality.
The prophet also has a huge following in South Sudan including leaders. He gained prominence after his prophecy of a failed coup attempt against President Salva Kiir before the conflict erupted in 2013.
In November 2019, TB Joshua after receiving an invitation from President Salva Kiir traveled to Juba and delivered a prophetic message at the Presidential Palace, calling on South Sudan's leaders to overcome their differences for peace to prevail.
Following his death, thousands of mourners have flocked the SCOAN, and tributes continue pouring in from across the world. Burial plans have yet to be made public.