•Some people are planning unrest against President-Elect
Primate Theophilus Olabayo, 77, is the founder of the Evangelical Church of Yahweh Worldwide, with headquarters in Lagos. Before the recent general elections, he was one of those who predicted that Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) would win the presidential election. In this interview, he warns against plots against the President-elect and the dangers ahead. He also speaks on how prophecy warns.
You predicted the victory of Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC in the February 25 Presidential Elections, even when most others prophesied otherwise. You have also made successful predictions in the past, including the death of Gen. Sani Abacha. Can you tell us how your prophecy works?
Let me start by saying that prophecy comes from Almighty God. It is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is from God to Man. That is the office I occupy and operate in. It’s the office of a Prophet. And as a prophet, I seek the face of God day and night. By this, God reveals His mind to me. I don’t prophecy for financial benefits. When God reveals things to me, I say it the way I receive it without withholding or removing anything. At the moment, we have lots of so- called prophets that are after their ‘stomach infrastructure’. These are people I simply call “prayer contractors.” They work with some journalists and politicians to mislead the people. They are among those creating confusion in this country today. Before the Presidential Election, I inquired from the Lord who will be the next President of this country. God told me that among all the Presidential candidates, that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu would emerge. Let me tell you this – years back when I met Tinubu in the United States, I told him that time would come when he would be President of this country. I have no personal relationship with him. I only met him back then in one of my church member’s house in the US. I don’t follow people’s opinion. I go with only what God tells me.
Now that Tinubu has been declared President-elect, do you foresee any problems for him?
Some people are planning to create chaos and unrest that will make things hard for him to govern. These forces really do not want a smooth transition of power to him, and that is why they are flying the kite of an interim government. If they succeed, it will take the nation backwards, and there will be grave consequences for the country. That idea of an interim government is a time-bomb that may explode on everybody. It should not be allowed to succeed.
Some, including prophets and pastors, have predicted that Tinubu will not be sworn in as President. What’s your take on this?
I see him being sworn in as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It will happen. Nothing will stop it, though, as I said earlier, there are people, there are forces who don’t want this to happen.
What do you have to say about the activities of the opposition parties, especially the PDP and Labour Party?
Opposition parties, PDP and especially LP are part of our democratic experience. The Labour Party’s performance in the just concluded elections, particularly, Peter Obi has surprised many people. But it’s time for the healing in our land to start now. Politicians should realise that sometimes, you win, sometimes you lose. Everything must be in the overall interest of the country. Remember that my predictions about Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Abia, Enugu, Benue, Rivers and Delta states gubernatorial elections came to pass. The losers are not calling for blood.
Should Nigerians exercise fear or expect serious unrest or war as a result of the outcome of the elections?
There will be no war. Politicians need to be careful about their utterances. Hate speech should not be encouraged. Though, I foresee few political assassinations. But all of that is to create tension, civil unrest and chaos. But nothing too serious will hamper peace and process in the country.
What is your advice to President Muhammadu Buhari at a time like this?
President Buhari should be a father to the nation. There was a peaceful transition of power from former President Goodluck Jonathan to him. He should also ensure a peaceful transition of power to the President-elect.
Is there any real hope in sight? If yes, in what form will it come?
Nigeria is going to be great. I have said this several times in the past. It is for the incoming government to restructure this country to some extent, so that the nation will experience economic growth and social stability in the near future. Young, vibrant youths and professionals with vast experience in various fields are needed to birth a new Nigeria. The country needs rebuilding in every facet of our national life. Delay will be dangerous.
You have often spoken of a man of destiny whom God shall raise for this country. Should Nigerians still be expecting him?
Tinubu can best be described as a forerunner. God can use him for this time just as He used Cyrus in the Holy Bible.
Can you explain your repeated statement that God will take charge in order to save the people of Nigeria and punish the ‘fake leaders’ who have been deceiving the people?
Leaders who have failed in performing their duties politically, as well as religious, traditional and business leaders who have compromised in various ways, will not be spared. Judgment will start from the so-called ‘men of God’ who have shown themselves to be charlatans. Let every Nigerian beware, because the judgment of God Almighty is coming.