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Significance
A September court decision allowed Joshua’s widow, Evelyn, finally to succeed him as senior pastor. SCOAN and other mega-churches play key political roles in Nigeria and their pastors are important powerbrokers. Their influence also extends over much of the continent.
Impacts
Evelyn Joshua will become an influential political figure, even if initially less prominent than her husband.
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo will look to use his Pentecostal roots to boost his chances for the presidency in 2023.
Government authorities and politicians may look to interfere more directly with Pentecostal church governance.
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2021
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