TB Joshua’s church, family fiddle with his burial plan

One week after the death of the founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet Temitope Balogun, his family and church are yet to decide the date and location of his burial.

It was gathered that his family members met in Lagos on Tuesday, June 8 to fine-tune the burial plans and decide where TB Joshua is to be buried.

An uncle of the late man of God, Alhaji Salisu Musa told reporters that the burial date was yet to be decided by the family.

While the family continues with the burial plans and where the late SCOAN founder is to be buried, the traditional ruler of his hometown, Arigidi Akoko in Akoko North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, had appealed that he be buried in the town.

According to Guardian, the church authorities want the remains of the charismatic preacher interred in Lagos, precisely at the Prayer Mountain located on Ajisegiri Street, Agodo-Egbe in Ikotun-Igando Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

But traditional rulers from Akoko land, said they would foot the bill for a befitting burial to the late TB Joshua, hence insisted he must be buried in his hometown, Arigidi-Akoko.

“We can handle all his burial arrangements, not only Arigidi but all the Akokos, comprising four local governments. We don’t joke with him; we know what he has done for us.

“Prophet had it in mind that he was coming home, so why would his remains be buried in Lagos? That is what he wants. He is from here,” Oba Olanipekun said.

“Look at these late pastors, Moses Orimolade was brought to Ikare, Ayo Babalola was taken to Ikeji-Arakeji, Pastor Timothy Obadare was taken to Ilesa in Osun state, among others, so why will ours be different?

“Is he from Lagos? So, they should please, don’t get the whole Akoko angry with them because all the Obas in Akoko have been calling me in respect of that,” the monarch queried.

The immediate elder brother of the late televangelist, Mr Sunday Balogun, affirmed that the traditional rulers in the area indeed communicated their decision to the family, and said the late televangelist must be buried in his hometown just like other prophets before him.

According to Oba Olanipekun, his greatest regret was that the late TB Joshua could not complete the project he was doing in Arigidi. The project, which is a mini town and situated on an expanse of land. is said to have a university, primary and secondary schools, a shopping mall, hospital and helipad.
There were also speculations that the late cleric had planned to move SCOAN headquarters and the prayer mountain to Arigidi, to boost economic activities in the town through tourism.