Speaking to our correspondent during a visit to the church on Sunday, the followers faulted claims made about TB Joshua in a recent BBC documentary.
Our correspondent observed how the worshippers sauntered into the premises of the imposing edifice situated at the Ikotun area of Lagos State for the church thanksgiving service which started around 8 am.
The service was the first major gathering since the British Broadcasting Corporation’s Africa Eye released a three-part expose on the alleged secret lives of the late televangelist.
The over-150-minute-long video published on YouTube and titled, “Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua”, showed video testimonies of witnesses levelling allegations against the late prophet.
The testimonies made by former disciples and church workers alleged that the prophet allegedly manipulated them and also physically and sexually abused them for many years.
Unfazed by the controversies that trailed the documentary, members thronged the place of worship again on Sunday for service.
In what appeared the standard procedure, each member headed to the canopy section to obtain a pass before being allowed access to the auditorium.
The church security personnel were also on standby as they screened the members who were on a queue leading to the entry points of the building.
One of the members who identified himself simply as Isaac, told our correspondent that the documentary was aimed at bringing down the church under the leadership of the late founder’s wife, Evelyn.
He said, “We are not bothered about the video. We are used to it. As you can see, everyone is here for the Sunday service and the atmosphere does not look like anything happened. We no longer pay attention to such again than just to come here worship and move on.”
Another member, who was seen touching one of the images of T.B Joshua displayed along the corridor and placing a hand on his forehead also stood in defense of the late cleric, saying since he died, the church still exists and delivers people.
The member who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “Those people claimed that our prophet faked miracles, but that is not true. Real miracle happens here. It happened while the prophet was alive, and it is still happening even while his wife is now in charge. The synagogue church has been delivering people and will continue to do so,”
While the video gained traction, some Nigerians took to social media to defend the prophet. These include the publisher of Ovation *Magazine,* Dele Momodu; former minister of aviation, *Femi Fani-Kayode*; Nigerian singer, Victor AD; Nollywood actress, Ronke Oshodi Oke and a host of others.
A male trader who claimed to have spent close to 20 years in the area and also made brisk business from selling items purchased by the members of the church said the ongoing controversy did not affect the turnout of members that attended the service.
He said, “I have been here since 1992. I went to my hometown in 2011 and came back in 2012. Throughout this period till now, people have always said so many negative things about the prophet. This is the first since he died. Except for the little reduction in the number of members since he died, people kept coming to worship in the church. Even with the recent one, the number of people that came to worship has not changed from what it used to be.”
Pastor Evelyn Joshua had in a Facebook post on Friday preached forgiveness while referring to the admonition of her late husband.
She wrote, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Prophet T.B. Joshua reminds us of the words of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ when He was on the Cross: ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’ (Luke 23:34) Prophet T.B. Joshua says, ‘Your response when you are hurt, embarrassed, misjudged, wrongly accused, persecuted and hated, determines your future.’”
