Tepitope Balogun Joshua, a frontline Nigerian preacher and televangelist, has died, family sources told Peoples Gazette.
Joshua, the founder of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (SCOAN), died in Lagos on Saturday evening shortly after concluding a programme at his church, The Gazette learnt from family sources who did not want to be quoted as an official statement was still being prepared. He was 57.
The cause of death was not immediately disclosed, but family sources said his remains had been deposited at the morgue and an autopsy would be performed forthwith.
Mr Joshua reigned for several decades as a fiery preacher on television, using his platform to attract a large number of Christians from across the world. Emmanuel TV, run by Mr Joshua’s SCOAN, is one of Nigeria’s largest Christian broadcast stations, available worldwide via digital and terrestrial switches.
In 2014, his church was at the centre of a multi-national investigation following a section of his church headquarters in Lagos collapsed, leaving dozens killed and many more injured.
Mr Joshua denied allegations of negligence and a trial over the incident was still underway prior to his demise.
Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode in his tweet confirmed the death of the popular Pastor saying his death was confirmed to him by 3 am on Sunday Morning.
“The passing of my brother TB Joshua saddens me deeply. At 3.00 am this morning I was told by one of his daughters that this was fake news and I tweeted as much. Sadly, I was misled, 5 minutes ago, the same person called me and confirmed the story.
Nigerians have expressed shock at the death of the Lagos Pastor, whom many said touched their lives in several ways.
Joshua made global headlines when his church collapsed in 2014 killing an unconfirmed number of people who died, most of whom are foreigners.
