Primate Ayodele denies defaming Kwankwaso, says comments were based on divine revelation

Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has dismissed allegations of defamation made against him by former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, insisting that his comments were merely prophetic messages received from God.

Kwankwaso, who is the vice-presidential candidate to Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), had threatened legal action against the cleric, demanding N10 billion in damages over remarks he considered defamatory.

Ayodele had claimed that the former Kano governor will betray Obi, a claim he didn’t take kingly to.

The former governor, through his legal representatives, alleged that Ayodele, during a sermon that was recorded and broadcast live, made statements portraying him as insincere in his political relationship with Obi and suggesting that he was financially motivated to accept the vice-presidential slot.

However, Ayodele, in a statement issued by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, denied any intention to tarnish Kwankwaso’s image, stressing that he only conveyed a divine message concerning the politician’s political future.

According to the cleric, his prophecies are never aimed at attacking individuals but are based solely on revelations he claims to receive from God.

“It has come to my attention that former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso believes I wrongly accused him in a recent prophecy regarding his political ambition,” Ayodele said.

“I wish to make it clear that my prophecies are not intended to defame, malign or attack anyone. I simply relay what I receive from God.

“I have never met Senator Kwankwaso and have no personal issues with him. Therefore, there would be no reason for me to deliberately target him.”

Ayodele maintained that he holds the former governor in high regard and that personal relationships or sentiments do not influence his prophetic messages.

“Kwankwaso is someone I respect, just as I respect every individual. My prophecies are not driven by personal interests, emotions or grievances. They are messages and directives revealed to me by God,” he stated.

The cleric further argued that his comments had been misinterpreted by individuals with political interests and that the misunderstanding had led Kwankwaso to view the prophecy as a personal attack.

He expressed regret that the issue escalated to the point of legal threats, noting that a request for clarification could have resolved the misunderstanding.

“It should not have come to this. Had clarification been sought, I would have explained my position and it would have been obvious that there was no intention to defame or malign anyone,” he said.

Ayodele urged public figures mentioned in his prophecies to seek explanations before making accusations or pursuing legal action.

He also cautioned against the manipulation of his sermons and videos for political or personal purposes, warning that those found distorting his messages would face appropriate action.

“I also want to warn those who alter or manipulate my videos to advance personal, political or selfish interests. Such actions are misleading and unacceptable, and necessary action will be taken against anyone found culpable,” he added.