Africa (Commonwealth Union) _A recent three-part exposé by the British Broadcasting Corporation’s Africa Eye on the late televangelist, Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua (TB Joshua), has ignited a social media storm.
The exposé, titled “Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua,” is available on YouTube and features testimonies from former disciples and church workers leveling serious allegations against the deceased prophet.
Former disciples and church workers, predominantly from the United States, the United Kingdom, Namibia, and South Africa, allege manipulation and physical abuse by TB Joshua, compelling them to remain with him for up to 14 years. The investigation also delves into the tragic September 12, 2014, building collapse at the Synagogue Church of All Nations’ guest house, owned by Joshua, which resulted in the loss of at least 116 lives, predominantly foreigners.
The exposé has triggered shock and calls for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations across various social media platforms, particularly on the X platform, formerly Twitter. Users expressed astonishment and called for accountability, with some suggesting a reevaluation of the role of churches in society.
Commenting on the revelations, @tahbryce on X remarked, “It’s a crazy world, there is much more than there is to the eye.” @benKEofficial added, “Church should just be banned. Let everyone serve and praise their own God. We have rotten people pretending to serve God,” highlighting concerns about fraudulent practices within religious institutions.
@Tirus56131185 raised questions about the complicity of African governments, stating, “What is shocking is how many governments in Africa allow such fraudsters to operate.” The sentiment resonated with those questioning the role of authorities in overseeing religious organizations.
However, there were differing opinions, with @gyaigyimii expressing mixed emotions about the exposé. “The TB Joshua documentary was just a roller coaster ride for me. First, I was like, why will they wait for him to die before they drop it, knowing he can’t defend himself? After the last episode, I’m just sitting here in tears. I don’t know if it’s anger, disappointment, disbelief, or pain,” the user wrote on X.
In response to the exposé, the BBC reached out to the current church leadership for a statement. The church issued a brief response, asserting, “Making unfounded allegations against Prophet TB Joshua is not a new occurrence. None of the allegations was ever substantiated.” However, the church did not directly address the specific claims presented in the documentary.
The exposé has ignited discussions about the responsibilities and accountability of religious leaders, prompting a reevaluation of the dynamics between faith-based institutions, their leaders, and their followers.
