Sanwo-Olu, Akeredolu pay tributes as T. B. Joshua is buried

10 Jul Sanwo-Olu, Akeredolu pay tributes as T. B. Joshua is buried

People from different races, cultures and countries gathered at the premises of The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) Ikotun, Lagos State yesterday to give final respect to the late prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua as his remains were committed to earth.

Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu; Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Anofiu Elegushi; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II represented by his wife, Olori Silekunola Naomi and a delegation from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) witnessed the colourful burial.

The first Bible reading at the burial service, taken from First Corinthians 15: 51 – 57, was read by Governor Akeredolu, after which Bishop Stephen Ogedengbe of the Wisdom of Chapel Ministry explained the passage.

The cleric urged Christians to emulate the exemplary life of love lived by the late founder of SCOAN.

Ogedengbe said: “The character of a true believer is to find refuge in our Lord Jesus. That is why children of God are not afraid in reaching the final destination – death. Heaven is our home, our dwelling place.”

According to him, Joshua had always mentioned that those from above longed to be there.

Minister Ayoub Kara from Israel took the second Bible reading from Revelation 21: 1-7, while Pastor Robert Acosta from Argentina preached a sermon from it.

Acosta said that Christians should follow Christ “because outside Jesus there is no reality.”

He said that Joshua did so many miracles and showed much love to many people.

After the sermon, Akeredolu and the representative of Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State addressed the congregation.

Sanwo-Olu said the late prophet fulfilled his destiny on earth by living for others and urged them to long for the spirit of dedication as shown by the SCOAN founder.

“His life should encourage us to renew our hope in Christ. Unity, peace, progress and love should be our watchword as Christians,” he said.

In his speech, Akeredolu described the death of Joshua as a huge loss to the people of Ondo State, Nigeria and the world at large. He revealed that the traditional ruler of his hometown, Arigidi Akoko in Akoko North local council of Ondo State, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, had mobilised him to ensure that Joshua’s remains would be buried in the town.