The popular but controversial Nigerian evangelical preacher Temitope Balogun Joshua has died from an undisclosed cause, his church said on Facebook. He was 57.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The preacher, popularly known as TB Joshua, founded The Synagogue Church of All Nations, a Christian megachurch in Lagos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The father of three was one of Africa\u2019s most influential preachers with millions of television and social media followers. More than 15,000 people from Nigeria and abroad attend his Sunday services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGod has taken his servant Prophet TB Joshua home \u2026 His last moments on earth were spent in the service of God,\u201d the church wrote on its Facebook page on Sunday, without giving further details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the pastor\u2019s lawyers Olalekan Ojo also confirmed his death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI confirm that the man of God, pastor TB Joshua passed away on Saturday after his evening programme,\u201d Ojo told the press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Al Jazeera\u2019s Ahmed Idris, reporting from the Nigerian capital Abuja, said the preacher was one of the most respected pastors in Africa\u2019s most populous country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe rose to prominence in the 1990s at a time when there was an explosion of televangelism in Nigeria and many parts of Africa. He was one of the most followed preachers in Nigeria and [across] Africa,\u201d Idris said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was also popular in South America where he had held many religious campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TB Joshua was known for making predictions and for his claims to cure various ailments and to make people prosper through miracles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was, however, controversial, with critics questioning his claims and saying he profited from people seeking hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Forbes, he had an estimated fortune of several million dollars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many African presidents, senior government officials, international football players, musicians and other high-profile guests have worshipped in his church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n