“Man of God”: Televangelist Tim Omotoso’s Warm Welcome in Nigerian Church Leaves SA Divided

• Pastor Tim Omotoso returned to his Nigerian church after being banned from South Africa, following his acquittal of sexual assault charges by many young ladies in his church
• A TikTok video shared by his church showed him entering like a celebrity, flanked by an entourage, and welcomed with loud cheers from congregation members
• The video stirred up emotional responses, with some thankful he’s gone, others praising his comeback, and many joking about his rockstar entrance
• Briefly News spoke with deacon Ditsego Morupe, who shared insight into the departure of controversial Pastor Tim Omotoso to his country, Nigeria

Televangelist Tim "Papa" Omotoso made headlines again, this time for stepping back into his Nigerian church like a celebrity when he was welcomed back home.

His return was shared by his church's TikTok account, @glory2god, gaining massive comments from social media users who cheered his comeback, with some expressing relief that South Africa had shut the door.

Pastor gets a celebrity welcome

In the clip, Omotoso is seen walking into church, wearing dark sunglasses and casual clothes with glittering slide-ons, followed by an entourage. A woman walks beside him as congregants cheer and film the moment.

He’s hugged upon getting to the front by a woman before he climbs on stage to greet his audience and take his seat. The moment is flashy, dramatic, and very different from his last public appearance in SA.

Watch the TikTok video below:

Watch the TikTok post here:

Omotoso deported after immigration law breach

The founder of Jesus Dominion International was banned from South Africa for five years and deported to Nigeria on 18 May 18 2025. This move followed his re-arrest by authorities for violating South Africa's immigration laws. The Department of Home Affairs declared him an "undesirable person," citing that his continued presence in the country was unlawful.

Previously, Omotoso had been acquitted of 32 charges, including rape, human trafficking and racketeering, after spending nearly eight years in custody. Despite his acquittal, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced plans to appeal the verdict, stating that legal proceedings would continue and, if successful, an application would be made for his extradition.

Pastor Omotoso returns home for good

The Briefly News team had the pleasure of speaking with deacon Ditsego Morupe, who shared his thoughts on the public reaction to Pastor Tim Omotoso's return to Nigeria following his legal drama in Mzansi.

We asked the deacon what his reaction was to Pastor Tim Omotoso returning to Nigeria after all the scandals he has had to face. He said:

"I'm glad he's no longer in South Africa. It was the right decision for him to return home and serve his community. If he was really innocent, maybe this was God's way to redirect his life and send him back where he was needed the most. Not all huddles in life are meant to break you; some elevate you and take you to greater heights.

We acknowledge the court finding him 'not guilty' of all the charges, but we also know that being acquitted does not always mean people are innocent. Criminals have gotten away with serious crimes, with the right legal representatives and deep pockets. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that is the case on this one."

The team asked the deacon what his thoughts were on the rise of spiritual churches, especially with foreign leaders. The man responded:

"We've seen a wave of new churches, and some of them were introduced by individuals from outside the country. I think South Africans need to be extremely careful when associating themselves with such institutions. It's important to understand who is leading you and what values they hold."

When asked if he thinks the government should intervene more strictly in church operations. The deacon shared:

"I do. I believe we need much stricter laws when it comes to opening and operating a church if someone is coming from another country to build a large following. Our people are hungry for God, and any institution that promises deliverance, riches, and assurances to heal their sicknesses is likely to be drawn to them. Churches have a massive influence, and we need to make sure that power is used responsibly."

Mzansi shares mixed reactions

The clip was flooded with comments from social media users who slammed the man of God for his alleged crimes, of which he was acquitted of, in the clip that has since had comments closed off by the church.

Many said they were glad to see him gone and that Mzansi didn’t need more controversy or illegal immigrants. Some of his supporters were heartbroken. Others said his church helped them heal, while more mocked his stylish, almost celebrity-like look.

User @ethu Lerole said:

"You all will be so disappointed, kanti nithi ca nifika ezulwini akekho lo tata (when you get to heaven and this man is not there). Ningajika (would you go back)?"

User @Tee shared:

"Your God is faithful, Tatam (my father) ❤️"

User @user7900062363156 commented:

"They can't make me hate you. You are a great man of God, only demons hate you."

Abongile_ciki shared:

"Daddy, we know you, and God knows you very well, uyiyo nyani indoda ka Thixo whether bayathanda okanye abathandi 🫡♥️ They will see when things turn."

User @Lucksion54 added:

"Go back."

User @Abongile_ciki said:

"Daddy, we know you, and God knows you very well. Uyiyo nyani indoda ka Thixo (you are truly a man of God), whether bayathanda okanye abathandi (they like it or not)🫡♥️they will see when things turn."

User @Bon added:

"May God bless you wherever you are. You are proof to everyone that God is alive."

User @Rosey_Love mentioned:

"He is my father in the Lord. I thank God for your life 🙏❤️"

User @Realtor Bibby✌️🤌 typed:

"No more harassment, only jubilee! Go now and enjoy your God to prepare for the end time revival, my papa, after 8 years of persecution."

3 Briefly News church-related articles

• A former ZCC member slammed the church for disturbing ungodly practices during a visit to a local podcast, saying it houses the biggest witches.
• A man dressed in white robes and sandals, resembling the figure of Jesus, shocked women driving in a car in Mthatha, leaving them shouting and calling out after asking for blessings.
• A group of women were captured entering the church with trolleys full of groceries they had bought for their church leader, sparking a huge debate online.

Updated by Hilary Sekgota, human interest head of desk at Briefly News.

Source: Briefly News