Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso is on the brink of leaving South Africa, a development that signals the potential conclusion of a complex legal saga that has spanned nearly a decade. Following his voluntary decision to be deported, Omotoso’s departure comes after his recent re-arrest on 10 May by immigration authorities in East London.
The Department of Home Affairs has deemed Omotoso a prohibited person, asserting that his continued presence in South Africa is unlawful. This decision arrives on the heels of a high-profile trial that captivated the nation, during which Omotoso faced a staggering array of charges, including rape, human trafficking, and racketeering.
On 2 April this year, the Gqeberha High Court acquitted Omotoso of 32 serious charges, a ruling that was met with significant public reaction, given the nature of the allegations. The founder of the Jesus Dominion International church, based in Durban, had been arrested in 2017 while facing more than 90 charges. His trial drew the attention of the media and the public alike, igniting discussions about power dynamics within religious institutions and the treatment of women in South Africa.
As Omotoso prepares to depart, the ramifications of his legal struggle, the reactions from devastated congregants, and the implications of his acquittal on broader social issues are guaranteed to resonate throughout the nation. Now, as he exits the country, many are left wondering what this chapter means for the future of the church he founded and the communities that rallied around his leadership.