TB Joshua, the Nigerian pastor and self-proclaimed prophet who died on 5 June 2021, built a global following that extended to the UK. At his funeral in Lagos, over 60 disciples from 18 countries, including the UK, gathered to pay tribute. Many had spent decades serving him, often cutting ties with family and friends.
Joshua's church, the Synagogue, Church of All Nations (Scoan), attracted about 15,000 visitors weekly before the pandemic, making it Nigeria's biggest international tourist attraction. His satellite channel, Emmanuel TV, reached households across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Politicians like Liberian president George Weah sought his blessing before elections.
British former disciples have spoken about the intense devotion Joshua inspired. Giles Hurst, who left Scoan in 2006, described feeling elation at news of Joshua's death, saying 'justice is done'. He reconnected with another British ex-disciple, Mary Winfield, after years of estrangement. Hurst noted that many disciples came from comfortable backgrounds but gave up careers and families to follow Joshua.
Joshua's cause of death has not been officially announced. His church stated that 'God has taken His servant home, as it should be by divine will'. The funeral took place over a month after his death, with no mention of the cause.
