The Drumbeat of War at TB Joshua’s Synagogue Church
During his lifetime, the late Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua, founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) was considered controversial and even rejected by many in Christendom. Not a few saw the prophet, famously known as TB Joshua, like a wolf in sheep’s skin. Even his miracles, which drew many to his church, were considered fake. While he was popular and revered in other parts of the world, he was never accepted by most of his brethren in the vineyard of God as he was believed to be an exorcist or a charmer. The prophet, indeed faced attacks from fellow pastors who never saw anything good in him.
Strangely, even in death, controversy has not ceased from his church, as the elders of the church are up against his wife, Evelyn. The crisis is about the leadership of the church since the late founder died without choosing a successor.
The woman, last week, was announced as the successor to her husband, a development that did not go down well with the elders in the church. According to the elders, TB Joshua’s successor should have been appointed from among the pastors in the church whom he had anointed rather than his widow, whom they claimed unilaterally announced herself as the new leader of the church. They reportedly faulted her claim that the congregation of 2,000 church members appointed her.
In a chat with Society Watch, a source who pleaded anonymity said: “Mrs. Evelyn Joshua is not a pastor. She was never anointed by Pastor Joshua. She was not part of the founding members of the church. So, there is no basis for her emergence as the person now parading herself as the new leader.”
However, another group that threw its weight behind her described the elders as “unscrupulous elements who have appointed within themselves a new General Overseer. They also established the Governing Council for the church in which all positions were shared among themselves, with no member of TB Joshua’s family or any church member on board.”
The group further said: “These are mere TB Joshua’s workers who are not even qualified to be called church members because by the Church’s Constitution, for you to be recognised as a church member, you must also be a financial member. This is a critical factor for membership, which none of them has.
“Right from the moment of TB Joshua’s death, they have made themselves an uncontrollable authority. They wield enormous power. They are so worldly; they conduct themselves with total disrespect to their late mentor and his widow.”
Already, many believe that the war may take time to end, as the warring factions are not ready to sheathe their swords any time soon.
Top Politician Bisi Ilaka Is Back in the Cold
No doubt, Oyo State-born politician, Bisi Ilaka’s political odyssey would make an interesting read if documented in black and white. This may not be due to his popularity, but the fact that the book will be full of interesting plots.
For those who are aware of his journey into politics, he is fast becoming a subject of pity and ridicule, as his political career has once again suffered a set- back, following his sack as the Chief of Staff to Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde.
Before his appointment by the governor, the Ladilu of Oyo Kingdom had become what many described as a serial contestant. Society Watch gathered that Ilaka joined Senator Rashidi Ladoja at the inception of Accord Party just three months before the 2011 election and contested as Senator to represent Oyo Central Senatorial District.
He was defeated by the candidate of the now-defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN), Senator Ayoade Ademola Adeseun.
Again, in 2015, the London- trained lawyer contested for the same position but lost to Senator Monsurat Sunmonu of the All Progressive Congress (APC). When he later contested as the senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 National Assembly election, he was thoroughly beaten by Senator Teslim Folarin of APC.
However, his career was given a lifeline when Makinde first appointed him as his Chief of Staff in 2019. But he was again thrown into the political wilderness, as he was later sacked among other appointees by the governor.
Though the former member of the Board of Directors for the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) appears to be unfazed, many of his fans believe that this is not too good for his political profile.
While a source disclosed that he has not fallen out of favour with his former boss, another source hinted that they have not seen eye-to-eye since he was thrown out of the cabinet.
Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola Soars Higher
If there is one politician being talked about mostly in the political landscape of Ogun State now, it is no other than Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola, otherwise known as Yayi.
Anyone familiar with the political setting in Lagos and Ogun would definitely affirm that the lawmaker is fast becoming a recurring currency in both states. Society Watch confirmed that the “West To West” campaign slogan of the Senator, who is currently representing Lagos West Senatorial District, is being roundly accepted in Ogun West ahead of the 2023 elections.
A source revealed that the 52-year-old, who has over 20 years of experience as a state and federal lawmaker, is the most popular politician in Ogun West at the moment. His profile has continued to soar higher so much so that it is said to have now dwarfed the incumbent senator representing the district, Tolu Adebiyi.
It was gathered that though some politicians, including former House of Representatives members, Abiodun Ishiaq Akinlade and Abdulkadir Adekunle Akinlade and Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, are said to be warming up for the position, none of them can reportedly match him in terms of popularity. His relevance is attributed to his aggressive campaign and massive touching of lives as well as his understanding with players across political parties.
In 2015, the senator went all out in a failed bid to become Ogun West Senator; and he massively built on it when he attempted to become Ogun State Governor in 2018.
Ibikunle Amosun, the then governor of the state, made a mess of his ambition on both occasions. But Yayi and his team are reaping from the solid political structure they were forced to lay then. And it is this structure that reportedly helped Governor Abiodun to power against the common foe, Amosun in 2019; hence the main reason members of the Yayi structure hold key positions in the current administration in Ogun.
Oba Yisa Adeniyi Olaniyan Celebrates Coronation Anniversary
It was an interesting event, last weekend, when the Onipokia of Ipokia in Ogun State, Oba Yisa Adeniyi Olaniyan, celebrated his first coronation anniversary. Expectedly, the urbane and graceful monarch, alongside his delectable Queen, Olori Folasade, did not leave any stone unturned to make the event classy and glamorous
Last year, the monarch, who is the first traditional ruler to be installed by Governor Dapo Abiodun, had assured all during his installation that his reign would herald growth and development in the town. He has kept faith in his promise to his subjects. The 51-year-old Oba had been unanimously elected by the kingmakers in the Ipokia kingdom, perhaps due to his exquisite poise, carriage, maturity and intelligence.
Olaniyan, who is the 46th Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom, is described as sociable, humorous and amiable. Before assuming his royal status, he piloted the popular Afro-Heritage Entertainment Awards during his stay in the United States.
Senator Ike Ekweremadu’s Romantic Side
A former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, is one experienced politician in Nigeria’s history who has climbed every rung of the ladder to attain his current enviable height. He is one of the political gladiators that this country has produced since its return to democracy. Since he joined active politics in 1997, he has not looked back and his star has never suffered any eclipse. Providence, no doubt, has literally lavished its favour on him.
It is a given fact that his enviable status in today’s Nigeria was not thrust on his laps; rather, he has worked tirelessly to attain his current height. He is tough, strong, hard-willed; and all these have helped him to remain in the political arena to date.
Interestingly, those who are close to the Enugu State-born politician are always quick to say that he is a great romantic and one who is as chivalrous as they come.
As if to lend credence to this claim by his supporters, the lawmaker, penultimate week, celebrated his wife on her 55th birthday.
With a deep sense of appreciation and love, Ekweremadu was quoted to have described his wife as the solid rock behind his success story.
He also showcased his poetic side on social media as he wrote: “She’s a shining diamond in my life, my friend, my woman, my wife, the mother of my wonderful children, my comfort in times of challenges, my ally in thick and thin, and my prayer warrior. My people, kindly join me in wishing Lady Nwanneka Ekweremadu, PhD, Achalugo Ikeoha, a happy birthday.
“Achalugom, may our Good Lord continue to renew your strength like the eagle. May His grace, love, peace, protection, and blessings continue to rest upon you. Amen.Congratulations!”
