Nigeria, June 6 -- A Nigerian comedian, Atunyota Akpobome aka Ali Baba, has paid a glowing tribute to one of Africa's most influential and controversial preachers, T.B Joshua, who died on Saturday.

The comedian revealed he had a personal relationship with the late founder of The Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) in a tribute he shared on his Instagram handle on Sunday.

Relieving his first encounter with Mr Joshua in 2013, Alibaba said the late cleric invited him over to SCOAN for a performance but he was reluctant to attend because of public perception.

Alibaba also added that his colleagues Mc Abbey and Lepaciousbose were the only ones who agreed to perform at SCOAN despite their reservations.

He wrote, "When you turned 50, and...