Ayodele denies defaming Kwankwaso, says remarks were divine prophecy

Founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, denied allegations of defamation levelled against him by the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, insisting that his comments had been based on a divine revelation and were not intended to malign the former Kano State governor.

The cleric made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday through his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, following reports that Kwankwaso, through his legal representatives, had threatened to institute a N10 billion lawsuit against him over alleged defamatory remarks.

The controversy stemmed from a sermon delivered by Ayodele before members of his congregation, during which he alleged that Kwankwaso had been financially induced to accept the position of running mate to Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate.

He also suggested that the former Kano governor was not sincere in his political dealings with the former Anambra State governor.

Reacting to the legal threat, Ayodele maintained that his comments were not personal accusations but prophetic messages he believed he was divinely mandated to disclose.

According to him, his prophetic declarations were never intended to tarnish the reputation of individuals but were messages he received and communicated in obedience to what he described as divine instruction.

“It has come to my attention that the former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has alleged that I wrongly accused him in my recent prophecy concerning his political ambition.

“I wish to state clearly that the purpose of my prophecies has never been to defame, malign, or attack anyone’s personality. I only speak based on what I receive from the throne of God,” Ayodele said.

The cleric stressed that he had no personal relationship or disagreement with Kwankwaso that could motivate him to target the politician.

“I have never met Senator Kwankwaso, nor have I had any personal issues with him. Therefore, there is absolutely no reason for me to deliberately target or attack him.

“Just as I speak concerning every individual I am divinely directed to address, I spoke about him and his political aspirations based solely on the message I received,” he stated.

Ayodele further described Kwankwaso as a respected political figure and emphasised that his prophecies were not influenced by personal sentiments or grudges.

“Kwankwaso is someone I respect, just as I respect every individual. My prophecies are never influenced by personal relationships, sentiments, or grievances; they are simply divine messages and directives as revealed to me,” he added.

The cleric argued that his remarks had been misunderstood and misrepresented by those interested in the political future of the former governor.

According to him, the interpretation given to the prophecy transformed what had been intended as a spiritual message into what was perceived as a personal attack.

“Sadly, even the politician misunderstood my statement and perceived it as a personal attack and an attempt to malign his character.

“It should never have come to this. If clarification had been sought from me, I would have explained what I meant, and it would have been clear that I had no intention of defaming the politician or anyone else I have spoken about in my prophecies,” he said.

The latest dispute added to a growing list of controversies involving the outspoken cleric and public figures.

In December, the then Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing Ayodele of blackmail and attempting to extort N150 million from him in exchange for what he described as “spiritual intercession” to aid his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

Ayodele, however, denied the allegation, maintaining that Adelabu had been the one who initially approached him for spiritual guidance because of his desire to become governor of the state.

As ofpress time, there was no indication that either party had initiated formal court proceedings over the matter.