The leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has denied the allegations of defamation leveled against him by the former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the former governor had threatened legal action after a recent prophecy surfaced, in which the cleric stated that Kwankwaso would betray the presidential bid of the former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi.
Reacting through a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele made it clear that he had no intention to defame Kwankwaso and did not attack his person directly. The cleric explained that he merely shared a divine prophecy and that his words were deeply misunderstood.
Primate Ayodele further said that he has no personal issues or relationship with the politician that would influence his spiritual declarations. He noted that his messages are purely spiritual directives rather than personal or political attacks.
“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. 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.”
The cleric further stated that Kwankwaso is an individual he respects and that seeking clarification directly from him would have resolved the confusion before it escalated. He insisted that his words were twisted by external parties who are interested in the politician’s career.
“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. For the sake of clarity, I would like to state that my message was greatly misunderstood and misrepresented by those interested in Kwankwaso’s political career.
“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.”
The religious leader advised public figures to reach out for explanations rather than rushing to make threats or accusations.
“I would appreciate it if individuals mentioned in my prophecies seek clarification before issuing threats or making accusations. I would also like to use this opportunity to warn those who manipulate my videos to serve personal, political, or selfish agendas. Such actions are misleading and unacceptable. I strongly urge those involved to desist immediately, as appropriate action will be taken against anyone found guilty of deliberately altering my messages for ulterior motives.”
