T.B. Joshua: Buhari, Jonathan, Obaseki, Yahaya Bello, Kalu, CAN, Gani Adams, others mourn

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the family and members of The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) on the passing of their father and founder, Pastor Temitope Balogun, popularly known as TB Joshua.
The president’s condolence message was conveyed by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.
According to Buhari, the renowned televangelist will be missed by his followers all over the world not only for his spiritual contributions, but for touching many lives through philanthropic gestures.
The president urged Joshua’s followers to take solace in the knowledge that life is not measured and defined by chronological longevity but by enduring legacies and lives touched positively.
He also condoled with the government and people of Ondo and prayed that God Almighty would accept the soul of the departed pastor.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan also expressed sadness over the death of Joshua.
Jonathan, in a message of condolence to the family of the deceased  and the SCoAN congregation, described the  late Joshua as a devout man of God, who served God and humanity with relentless passion during his life.
The former president in the message signed by his Special Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, on Sunday in Abuja, said that the  late Joshua impacted millions of lives across Nigeria and the globe.
He said that he was saddened to hear about the death of T.B Joshua, at a young age of 57.
“TB Joshua was a devout man of God who served God and humanity with relentless passion.
“He was a man of sound doctrine, meek and faithful to his call and passion of reconciling men to God and offering hope to humanity.
“As a Christian leader, TB Joshua and his ministry exemplified Christ in faith, love and charity; positively impacting the lives of many Nigerians, Africans and millions of people across the world.
“I condole with his family, his church and millions of his followers across the world. May God grant them peace and strength to cope with this loss,” Jonathan said.
The former president also prayed God to grant millions of Joshua’s followers across the world the strength to cope with his exit.
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State also mourned the passing of Joshua.
The governor, in a statement in Benin on Sunday, expressed shock over the death of the cleric.
Obaseki said that he was saddened by the pastor’s death, noting that the deceased impacted the lives of millions of people across the world.
“I am saddened by the news of the passing of Pastor Temitope Balogun Joshua, a great preacher of the gospel, who impacted the lives of millions of people across the world.
“Pastor Joshua deployed his gift of delivering the word of God in relatable terms to advance the Church of Christ and brought laughter, solace and comfort to many with Christ’s message of love.
“The Synagogue Church of All Nations, which Pastor Joshua superintended, was a home of refuge for those desirous of God’s word and also for the desolate, providing a beacon of hope to many worshippers from across the globe.
“Pastor Joshua would be remembered for his devotion to God, the feisty manner he delivered Christ’s message of love and his commitment to community and the upliftment of mankind,” he said.
The governor commiserated with the Christian community, the Synagogue Church of All Nations and his family, praying that God grants all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Also, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State commiserated with the church and family in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed.
The governor commiserated with the Church, the family and the body of Christ at large over his death which he noted was in consonance with the will of the unquestionable God Almighty.
He said that Joshua in his years of existence lived a fulfilled life by serving the call of his creator and impacting numerous lives individually and through his ministry.
He noted that although the pain of his unexpected demise was felt by many, particularly those whom his life had directly impacted, noting the consolation was that his legacies would continue to surge on.
Bello said that Pastor Joshua would be greatly missed for his audacious truth telling and his peaceful advocacies as well as great concern for humanity most especially, widows, orphan and people living with disabilities
The  governor prayed for God to comfort and strengthen the family, church and those greatly hurt by his death and urged them not to derail for the footprints of the late clergy mostly his humanitarian endeavours.
The Oyo State Chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) described the sudden death of Joshua as very shocking.
The state Chairman of the association, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, made the remarks in his reactions to the death of Joshua on Sunday in Ibadan.
T.B Joshua, 57, (June 12, 1963 – June 5, 2021), was the Founder and General Overseer of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Lagos.
He was a frontline Nigerian preacher and televangelist.
Akinyemiju said that it was undoubtedly a great loss to millions of his followers, Nigeria, Christians, non-Christians and the international community.
According to him, T.B Joshua was very humble, impacting so much on the spiritual lives of many, and on the economy of many nations, especially Nigeria.
“He will be greatly missed. The followers and all mourners are enjoined to grief, but to do so with hope of eternal life, according to 1Thessalonians 4:13-18.
“Moreso, the Bible in Isaiah 57:1 says the righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.
“This is a worthy lesson to all of us to remain steadfast in our service to God and humanity.
“The trumpet can sound anytime, and it should not catch us unaware. May God accept his gentle soul and grant all his mourners the fortitude needed to bear the irreparable loss,” he said.
Also, a cleric and the former Oyo State CAN Chairman, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu, said: “Joshua’s transition is the fulfillment of God’s word.
“Heb. 9: 27 says, ‘And as it is appointed unto men once to die but after this the judgement’: this is an inevitable price that everyone will pay, not minding one’s stature, position or whatever the achievements.
“Everybody will die at his or her own time, but a lesson for everyone is to do what is right at the right time; procrastination is dangerous, because no one can boast of how long he will live.
“T.B Joshua did what he could in the propagation of the gospel; he didn’t live long and there are some who may live longer, such is life.
“May the departed soul rest in peace and may our God comfort His Church,” he said.
The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams,  described the death of Joshua as a rude shock.
This is contained in a statement  on Sunday in Akure by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi.
Adams said  that the death  of “my brother and kinsman” was so  painful and devastating.
“I received the news of the death of my brother, Prophet T.B. Joshua with a heavy heart and deep sorrow. It is really devastating to hear such a sad news breaking like a wildfire,” he said.
Adams described  the late prophet as an ‘Iroko’ tree and an abode for many.
“T.B. Joshua found favour in spreading the Gospel of God through his ministry.
“According to the words of God in the Bible, the Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants, the prophets.
” It is very difficult for me to come to terms with the reality of his death. It was  very sad. Prophet T.B. Joshua lived and died for God. His life was a complete definition of God’s generousity and philosophy.”
The Onakankafo said that Joshua was very humble, gentle and generous to a fault.
“His large – heart knows no tribe, colour, ethnic, language or religion. He was simply a winner of souls which  spread beyond the shores of Nigeria.
” ‘Egbon’ lived a legacy of service and sacrifice to God’s Kingdom that will  live  for generations yet unborn.
“Joshua  opened a new vista in religious tourism and Nigeria earned a lot in terms of foreign exchange from his accommodating spirit. With his death, there has  been an eclipse in God’s vineyard,” he said.
The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Kalu, also commiserated with members of the Synagogue Church of All Nations on the death of Joshua.
Kalu, in a condolence message on Sunday in Abuja, mourned the renowned preacher and evangelist and stressed that he would be greatly missed by his followers.
“He will be remembered as a notable spiritual leader with passion for empowering the poor and vulnerable in the society,” he added.
According to him, the deceased was popular beyond the shores of Nigeria.
“We mourn him. His death is shocking and painful.
“He was committed to spreading the gospel of God through his religious and philanthropic platforms.
“Pastor Joshua was simple, kind-hearted, generous and easy going.
“He played a key role in human capital development through philanthropy and counselling.
“His demise has, no doubt, left a big vacuum in the synagogue,” Kalu stated.
He, however, urged the congregation to take solace in the fact that he contributed immensely to the growth of the church and larger community by touching lives positively.
He conveyed his condolences to the government and people of Ondo State over the loss and prayed for the eternal repose of his soul.
The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has sent its condolences to  the family of the late Joshua and the worshippers at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCoAN).
The Chairman of CLO in  Anambra State, Mr Vincent Ezekwueme, said that the death of Joshua was shocking, but “as mortals, we cannot question God’’.
According to Ezekwueme, “I thank God for a purposeful, dedicated, devoted and God fearing life he lived. He won many souls for Christ and rendered selfless services to God and humanity.
“His belief in the assertion of St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta that one has not lived unless he lives for others deserved commendations  and emulation.’’
The CLO boss prayed God to forgive his shortcomings and grant eternal repose to   his gentle and humble soul in paradise.
“May God give grace and fortitude to his family,  his congregants and followers to bear and endure the irreparable and irreplaceable loss.
“May they kindly accept CLO’s  sincere condolences, sympathies and prayers at this moment of  their grief  and sorrow,’’ he said.
Dr Banji Akintoye, Emeritus Profesor and Leader of a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and self-determination group, Ilana Omo Oduduwa, described as a huge loss, the death of Joshua.
Akintoye expressed the regret in a statement  signed by his media aide, Mr Maxwell Adeleye, on Sunday in Lagos.
Akintoye described Joshua as a servant of God with outreaches touching many part of the world.
He added that the deceased was bringing charity to the needy everywhere.
Akintoye, a member of the Second Republic Senate said: “The sudden passing of Prophet TB Joshua is a shock to me personally and a great loss to the Yoruba nation.
“He was a great servant of God with outreaches touching most part of the world and bringing charity to the needy everywhere, including his people in the Akoko Area of Ondo State.
“In many countries across the world, people watched his ministry on television as he brought gospel with hope and joy.”
Akintoye condoled with members of Joshua’s family and church, and prayed  God to sustain them.
“We, his people, will miss him greatly.
“We all pray that God will accept him into the joy of heaven,” he said.
A Zambian Journalist, Mr Dean Mwaanga, has described the death of Pastor Joshua as painful.
“TB Joshua’s death is painful, but much as it is painful, God’s Will is sovereign,” Mwaanga said on Sunday
Quoting the Holy Bible, the Zambian journalist said “the righteous man perishes (at the hand of evil), and no one takes it to heart; faithful and devout men are taken away, while no one understands that the righteous person is taken away (to be spared) from disaster and evil. (Isaiah‬ ‭57:1-2‬‬‬).
Recalling his trip to the Synagogue Church in 2014, Mwaanga said he stayed at the Synagogue for about a week and considered it a time well spent as it was spiritually enriching.
“I was inspired and attracted to his ministry by his works of assisting disadvantaged children and their parents by showing them the love of Jesus in practical ways. He demonstrated love.
“He encouraged the younger generation to grow up in the fear of God, so as to build and extend God’s Kingdom.
“He was a true servant of God, may his soul rest in eternal  peace.”
The Journalist, who is also a farmer in Zambia, said that attending the Church also gave him opportunity to see the beauty of Nigeria.
“I found Nigeria beautiful. I hope to visit the country again,” he said.
Arigidi Akoko in Ondo State, hometown of Joshua, wore a mournful look on Sunday as his death became public knowledge.
The passing away of the founder of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), in the early hours of Sunday sent shock waves across the nation and arguably in some other parts of the world.
Residents of the ancient Arigidi Akoko town were seen in groups, discussing the demise of Joshua whom they all described as a great philanthropist.
The palace of Zaki Arigidi, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, the traditional ruler of the town, suddenly became a Mecca of sorts as sympathisers thronged there to commiserate with him.
Oba Olanipekun said that the shocking event was reported to have begun on Saturday night during a prayer and worship session at his church in Ikotun, Lagos.
He said reports had it that midway into the session, Prophet Joshua was visibly not at ease and he retired to his chamber within the church, presumably to take a short rest.
His aides found him in an uncomfortable position when they looked in on him hours after and certified him dead between 1 a.m., and 2 a.m., on Sunday.
He explained that a SCOAN delegation was on its way to Arigidi Akoko to make the announcement and submit factual report of the devastating incidence.
“We have heard the very sad news of the sudden demise of our son, Prophet TB Joshua, world acclaimed televangelist, philanthropist, founder of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) and Emmanuel Television.
“Pending receipt and confirmation of this report, I solicit the full co-operation of SCOAN church members in Nigeria and across the globe to allow the immediate family and the Arigidi community to mourn this painful loss without further distractions.
“I am hereby making a demand that his body must be preserved intact until arrangements are made to examine and/or certify the cause of his death and the body is moved to Arigidi for final burial rights to be announced at a later date.
“On behalf of the Zaki-in-Council, the High Chiefs, the elders and immediate family members of our late son, I commiserate with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, the people of Arigidi and Nigerians in general over the loss of our illustrious son.
“I pray that God, in His infinite mercies, will wipe off our tears,’’ the traditional ruler said.
He added that the late prophet attracted many development projects to the town.
Oba Olanipekun identified the on-going construction of the multimillion naira church pavilion, construction of roads, and provision of patrol vehicles for police in Arigidi among such development projects.
“He brought a global recognition to our town during his life time,’’ he said.
In the same vein, Oba Adeleke Adedoyin-Adegbite, the Owa-Ale of Ikare-Akoko, also called on sons and daughters of Akoko to emulate the large heart and good gestures of Prophet TB Joshua.
Oba Adedoyin-Adegbite said that “the entire Akoko land has lost a rare man of God at this particular time when he is most needed in the community.
“But we thank God for a life well spent in the service of God and that of humanity. My prayer is that his soul would rest in peace. And I pray God Almighty to give us the fortitude to bear the great loss.
“Akoko people, sons and daughters should emulate him because in his lifetime, he was a great giver. He gave to everyone during any festival. People looked forward to receiving his rice, money and many other things
“He was a great man. I advise and plead with other sons and daughters of Akoko to emulate him,’’ the traditional ruler of Ikare Akoko said.
Many churches that had begun the day’s service before the news of the prophet’s demise filtered into Arigidi Akoko, turned their sermons to eulogies of the man they called illustrious son of Akokoland.
Gabriel Agbaje, a Christ Apostolic Church cleric, who spoke glowingly of the late prophet’s selfless service, especially to the needy, described him as a lover of peace.
Similarly, Bishop Micheal Abe, of the Anglican Church, who was also full of tributes to the deceased, said the elderly and less privileged would miss TB Joshua’s annual distribution of food stuffs and other kind gestures.
Alhaji Salisu Musa, Chief Imam of Arigidi Akoko, who is also an uncle to the late prophet, said that TB Joshua’s kind gestures were extended to people of all faiths as he did not discriminate in his philanthropy.
Musa said he was on his way to the deceased’s house in Lagos to see to further arrangements, noting that the famous pastor died without a prior sickness.
He lamented that Arigidi Akoko “has surely lost an illustrious son whose death is going to leave a big vacuum in the development of our land’’.
Another Muslim cleric, Sheikh Jimoh Balogun, who noted that he was one of the beneficiaries of the renowned prophet’s gestures, described TB Joshua as a detribalised and kind hearted individual.
A woman simply identified as Munirat who was inconsolable, said no one would replace T.B Joshua in the affairs of her family.
The Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdufatah Enabulele, also mourned the passing of Joshua.
According to him, the news of his death was very shocking, adding that in life, whatever has beginning must have an end.
He described Prophet TB Joshua as a great man of God, who impacted the lives of many people in Nigeria and overseas.
“He made a lot of food donations and other materials to the less privileged, so we just pray that God would have mercy on him.
“Now he has gone to join his ancestors, and nobody can question God. I urge his church to continue in that direction.
“He preached the gospel of Jesus Christ and may God have mercy on him. As for the wife and the children, may God grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, “he said.
Also, Nigerans in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Americas, mourned the passing of Joshua.
The Chairman of NIDO-Americas, Mr Obed Monago, made this known on Sunday.
Monago described the demise of the Pastor, popularly known as “T.B. Joshua”, who died a week to his 58th birthday, as tragic.
“It is tragic to have lost the servant of God at such a young age,” Monago said.
He expressed the hope that the Synagogue Church of All Nations will continue its good work despite the death of T.B. Joshua.
Prophetess Rebecca Inuwa, the General Overseer, Light of God Covenant and Prophetic Assembly, urged Christians to see the death of Joshua as a sacrificial passing for  the sake of Nigeria.
The cleric said this in Kaduna while speaking in a charge after Sunday service.
She said the  late Joshua was the sort of righteous man God desired to take as sacrifice for the sake of Nigeria as a country.
She described the deceased not only as a humble  minister of  God but  as one of the greatest men of God that had emerged in Nigeria.
She further described  him as a man that had touched the lives of many people not only in Nigeria and Africa but in other parts of the world.
According to her, many people from across the world have come to  know of a country known as Nigeria because of his positive impact on humanity,
Inuwa urged Nigerians not to see Joshua’s passing as a negative development but to  understand that “he has come, fought, and finished the good fight.
The general overseer asked members of the church to observe a minute’s silence and to sing the Nigerian National Anthem as a way of paying last respects to the late founder and leader of the Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCoAN).
Dr Kayode Ajulo, former National Secretary, Labour Party, said that the cleric attracted the largest number of tourists to the country.
“His death is a huge loss to Ondo State, Nigeria and Africa. He attracted so many tourists to the state, the country and Africa,” Ajulo said in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.
He described Joshua’s death as “shocking”, adding that his exit represented an irreparable loss to Nigeria.
The human rights lawyer also described Joshua as a “very compassionate and gold-hearted religious leader”.
“With the shocking demise of Prophet T. B. Joshua, Nigeria has lost a religious leader whose numerous activities have positively influenced the nation, the downtrodden and his followers,” he said.
Ajulo recounted how he had offered to give the late Prophet a huge parcel of land to relocate his Church to Ifira Akoko, Ondo State, in the wake of the controversies that surrounded the death of worshippers at his Church.
“I offered him a huge piece of land to relocate, but the man of God rejected the offer. He, instead, offered to make a huge donation to the entire Akoko kingdom.”
Ajulo, a native of Ifira Akoko, further revealed that Joshua sponsored virtually all politicians in the area who were interested in seeking elective positions.
He said that Joshua was also building a big University in Akoko and had also initiated the Akoko Mega City Project, a project which was expected to place Akoko on the world map, opening it for more economic opportunities.
He prayed God to give his immediate family, people of Akoko, his worshippers and Africa in general, the fortitude to bear his demise.
Ajulo also prayed to God to forgive Joshua’s shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in paradise.