The remains of Prophet Temitope Joshua were finally laid to rest today July 9 with hundreds of people witnessing the event.
Prophet Joshua, founder of Synagogue Church of All Nations died on June 5. His death took many unawares.
But his body was buried in the church premises at about 3 pm on July 9 in the presence of his wife, children, and a number of dignitaries.
The interment was done after a week-long programme of tributes and service of songs and a three-hour service on Friday, June 9 in the church premises
Because of fear of the third wave of covid-19, the church did not allow many of the church members to access the venue of the interment service. Only dignitaries and some members of the church were allowed.
Thousands however besieged the surrounding of the church to show their solidarity. Tears flowed freely among members who really desired to witness his interment.
Ondo and Lagos governors pay tribute
Ondo Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu; Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Olanrewaju Elegushi; and wife of Ooni of Ife, Olori Naomi Adeyeye were among the dignitaries that graced the occasion.
Read Also: Akeredolu: I was a beneficiary of TB Joshua’s philanthropy even as governor, recalls his support to Ondo Communities: https://churchtimesnigeria.net/akeredolu-joshua-philantrophy/
The Christian Association of Nigeria’s team at the event was represented by the Assistant General Secretary of the body, Elder Biodun Sanyaolu and the chairman of Lagos State CAN, Bishop Stephen Adegbite.
Ovation Publisher, Chief Dele Momodu, International gospel singers, Shirley Murdock and Byron Cage were also among the dignitaries at the event which spanned about five hours.
Akeredolu delivered a moving tribute to the Late Prophet describing him as a loss to the world. He recalled how Joshua impacted his life and many Ondo communities.
The governor of Lagos State in his tribute delivered by the commissioner of Home Affairs, Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi said Prophet Joshua was intentional about his pastoral ministry.
He said, “His demise on June 5 will certainly be remembered in the chronicle of SCOAN. We should however celebrate the life of this global evangelist who emulated Apostle Paul by fighting the good fight of faith until God called him home.
“Prophet TB Joshua’s story is inspirational. His love for God made the difference, he lived with the common man and became an uncommon minister. He never forgot his root. He still identified with the poor, fed the widows, and played the role of father to many orphans.”
Sanwoolu said because Christ lives there is a better life in the hereafter. He praised Joshua’s spirit of dedication. “He fulfilled destiny by living for others. His life should encourage us to renew our hope in Christ, love for others, and faith in Nigeria.
“We must determine to make Nigeria the pride of other nations. His love for humanity should open our eyes to the possibility of a world where we all live in peace.”
He then commiserated with the widow of the late Prophet, Pastor Evelyn Joshua, and the church at large.
He prayed that God “would give SCOAN grace to immortalise” the name of its founder, adding that Prophet Joshua will greatly be missed.
Foreigners flood burial ceremony
The interment service was witnessed by many foreigners prompting Governor Akeredolu to say “there perhaps have never been such gathering of people from different parts of the world.”