Popular Nigerian self-proclaimed Prophet T.B Joshua hosted a New Year’s memorial service for the South African relatives of people killed in the September 12 building collapse at his church in Lagos.
A total 116 people were killed in the September disaster, one of many in Nigeria’s never ending year on year building collapses caused by structural construction failings which involve cheap cement and other shoddy materials used to build.
Many driven by hopelessness make the pilgrimage to the prophet’s synagogue  in search of “deliverance and blessings”.
T.B Joshua who claims to see into the future, failed to forsee the impending danger in his own backyard that claimed the lives of 81 South Africans caused by the obvious failings well documented over ten years in the country.  Three Zimbabweans and a citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo were also among the dead, having used South African passports.
According to the church’s spokesman in South Africa, Kirsten Nematandani,  the memorial service is aimed at “commiserating and offering spiritual support” to the bereaved families.
Joshua is one of Nigeria’s wealthiest pastors who draws prominent politicians from across Africa as part of his flock. Forty four families have already taken up the all expenses paid week-long trip to Nigeria which started on Christmas day.
The prophet was also  earlier reported to have made a R50 000 donation towards funeral expenses to each family of the  victims, repatriated two months after the disaster.
Most South Africans on social media condemned  the move,  suggesting that the trip was a bribe meant to discourage the relatives from filing lawsuits over the deaths.
Meanwhile, the Lagos state coroner is carrying out an inquest into what led to the collapse of the guesthouse situated within the church compound.  Expert witnesses have said the building was unsound and lacked proper permits.   But the “miracle worker” and seer has suggested it was an act of sabotage caused by a Nigerian government plane flying above it. Evidence of explosives has however remained elusive and merely suggestive at the preacher’s behest.
Joshua has three times failed to appear  at the inquest to answer questions with his lawyers fighting to stop the investigation. His loyalists claim it is “inappropriate” for a man of God to be subjected to questioning.
Meanwhile families of the eleven outstanding victims still awaiting DNA identification will be invited after the remains are sent back to South Africa.