By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
Primate Elijah Ayodele, the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has blamed pastors promoting a “get rich quick” mentality for the hardships Nigerians are experiencing today. Speaking during the 30th anniversary launch of his book “Warnings to the Nation,” Ayodele criticized the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for prioritizing government interests over the welfare of Christians.
Ayodele accused CAN’s leadership of being self-centered and lacking direction. He pointed out the stark contrast between the wealth of churches and the poverty of their congregants, stating, “We have churches that are very rich, yet their members are crying, contributing to the hardship of this country.”
He further criticized pastors for accumulating wealth for personal gain, including purchasing private jets, while neglecting their followers. Ayodele called on these pastors to shift their focus to rural areas and hold revival programs there instead of traveling to major cities like London and New York to preach prosperity.
Ayodele also addressed the plight of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He advised Kanu to beg the Nigerian government for his release, warning that Kanu could die in detention if he refuses. Kanu has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest and repatriation from Kenya in June 2021, despite court orders granting him bail.
Ayodele predicted that Nigeria would eventually break up, but not through the efforts of Kanu or Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho. He believes the breakup will originate from the North and will occur without bloodshed.
“Warnings to the Nation” is a collection of divine signals for 2024/2025, marking its 30th edition and anniversary.