From Jimoh Ahmed, Ikare Akoko

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Arigidi Akoko, the hometown of Prophet TemiTope Balogun Joshua yesterday wore a gloomy look as major streets and markets were deserted after receiving the news of the demise of their son, Pastor T B Joshua.
Indeed, the whole of Akoko is embroiled in mourning since yesterday morning when his death was broken through the social media.
Prophet TB Joshua, as he was fondly called was the founder of Synagogue Church of All Nations. According to family sources at Arigidi Akoko, he died in the early hours of Sunday.
The news of the death of the Ondo State born cleric however crippled the socioeconomic life of the town as markets in Arigidi were not opened for business while Churches did not open for the usual Sunday service.
Speaking with The Hope, an elder brother of the same parent, to the late prophet, Mr Sunday Balogun said the death of T B Joshua remained a rude shock to the entire family and the people of Arigidi Akoko.
Sunday who said he has been devastatedly affected by the occurrence said the late prophet was responsible for his care and that of his immediate family.
The described the death of his younger brother as irreparable and has caused a great vacuum in the life of the people of the town who looked up to him.
Similarly, the Chief Imam of Agbaluku, Alhaji Muhammasu Salisu Musa also an uncle to the deceased said he got wind of his demise at about 12.45 am from one of his sisters in Lagos.
According to him, his sister informed him that something wrong had happened to TB and thus decided to call, the phone calls were not picked making him to sense that something terrible might have happened saying that he confirmed his death 20 minutes later.
The Chief Imam of Arigidi, Akoko, Sheikh Jimoh Balogun, noted that the late cleric was his benefactor who did not discriminate on the basis of tribe, age and religion
He said T B Joshua’s death has left a big vacuum in the lives of many in Arigidi, his native place and Akoko, in general.
Pastor Gabriel Agbaje of Oluwadamilare CAC Church, Okeagbe also acknowledged his assistance to many who got visa to travel outside the country.
Bishop Michael Abe of Zion Church, Ishakunmi, Ikare Akoko described his annual distribution of foodstuffs to the needy and elderly people as unprecedented.
When The Hope visited the Zaki of Arigidi Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun in his palace, the monarch looked dejected while many of his subjects were seen in the palace coming to condole with him on the demise of one of his illustrious subject.
Oba Olanipekun who said he found it hard to believe that prophet Joshua is dead said at about 1.00 am on Sunday; he heard a loud bang at the entrance door leading to the palace but didn’t see anyone when he came out.
He said he later heard some strange noises at a church opposite the palace as if a night vigil was going on saying he was later informed about TB’s death.
He described the death of the prophet as a big loss to Arigidi, Akoko, Ondo State and Nigeria in general, saying his place cannot be filled. He called on people to emulate the selfless service late pastor Temitope joshua rendered to humanity.
Meanwhile, people of Arigidi are still in disbelief about the death as they were seen in groups discussing whether the death of the great philanthropist was real or not.
A woman simply called Munirat said the man who usually give out charity to her aged mother is gone and lamented on how to get a substitute.
The Hope was reliably informed that the last time he came home about eight months ago, the cleric counseled his people not to call people strangers since all are strangers on earth.
It was learnt he preached love at that forum urging people to forgive each other since that is the only way we can be forgiven by Almighty God.
T.B. Joshua before his death embarked on multi million naira projects including aerodrome, proposed Synagogue University, Akoko Mega City and many more in Arigidi
He was born about 57years ago to the family of Balogun in Imo Arigidi while her late mother, Alhaja Munirat Balogun was a sister to the father of the present chief Imam of Agbaluku Alhaji Salisu musa.
He went to Ansar Ud Deen Grammar School, Ikare Akoko before proceeding to Lagos.