In the wake of a contentious BBC documentary shedding light on Pastor Temitope Joshua, the late founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Debo Akinyemi, a former worker in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has come forward with his experiences in a recent write-up published by ChurchTimes Nigeria.
Having closely associated with TB Joshua during his time as a journalist, I find it imperative to share my perspective on the controversy sparked by the BBC expose.
The debate surrounding the documentary reveals a stark division of opinions on whether TB Joshua was a true man of God or not.
In my personal view, navigating through the enigma of TB Joshua proved challenging. His outwardly perfect demeanor and inner suspicious conduct made it difficult to discern his true nature.
Those who judged him solely by his looks and humility may have overlooked the biblical warning that outward appearances can be deceptive.
My first encounter with TB Joshua dates back to the late ’90s when he operated as an itinerant white garment prophet.
Visiting the magazine where I served as the Sports Editor, he sought publicity for his emerging church.
Our paths crossed again later when he had evolved into a controversial yet influential figure.
Unveiling his ownership of The Exclusive, a weekly newspaper, was a revelation that added a layer of complexity. Despite his name not featuring prominently in the management list, it became evident that he wielded substantial control.
An initial hesitancy to accept the position of deputy editor arose, prompting me to seek counsel from my provincial pastor.
As I delved into my role, unsettling observations began to emerge. TB Joshua exhibited a nocturnal lifestyle, summoning senior editorial staff for late-night meetings that often lasted no more than 10 minutes.
Despite the disruptions to editorial schedules, he would lavish the team with elaborate meals while handing out envelopes filled with substantial amounts of money.
A closer look at the inner workings of TB Joshua’s church, gained through frequent visits, revealed a congregation of special workers labeled as disciples.
These individuals, particularly attractive young women, were forbidden from secular jobs, savings, or carrying money.
While their needs were met through approved requisitions, their lives were tightly regulated, resembling soulless robots bound by secrecy.
One disturbing aspect of TB Joshua’s practices involved encouraging married couples to swap partners as a ritual to address infertility.
Astonishingly, childless couples started having children with their new partners. This unconventional approach was even proposed to a colleague, highlighting the extremity of TB Joshua’s methods.
Despite his seemingly meek persona, insiders witnessed TB Joshua’s demonic anger, leading to bizarre episodes such as the hurling of a glass-topped table in his office.
My brief tenure at The Exclusive did not afford me an in-depth exploration of the disturbing occurrences within the church, but the glimpses I caught fueled reasonable suspicion.
While refraining from vilifying him in death, I resist joining the ranks of uncritical praise.
The Bible urges us not to believe all spirits but to test them. My scrutiny of TB Joshua’s spirit revealed a foggy landscape, fostering suspicion, despite his somewhat likable exterior.
In assessing his legacy, it is essential to acknowledge the complexity of his persona and practices.
