By Lukmon Akintola,
Lagos.
The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has dismissed allegations by former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, that a recent prophecy concerning his political future was intended to defame or malign him.
Ayodele clarified that his comments were purely prophetic and should not be interpreted as a personal attack on the former governor.
The cleric came under criticism following a prophecy in which he reportedly stated that Kwankwaso would betray former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in his political ambitions.
Reacting to allegations that the prophecy was defamatory, Ayodele, in a statement issued by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, insisted that he had no personal issues with Kwankwaso and therefore no reason to deliberately target him.
According to the cleric, his prophecies are based solely on what he receives from God and are never influenced by personal relationships, sentiments or political considerations.
“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.
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“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.”
Ayodele further stated that he respects Kwankwaso and holds no grievance against him, adding that the prophecy had been misunderstood by both supporters of the politician and others who interpreted it as an attempt to damage his reputation.
The cleric maintained that if clarification had been sought, he would have explained the context of the prophecy and cleared any misconceptions surrounding it.
“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.”
Ayodele also urged public figures and individuals mentioned in his prophecies to seek clarification before making accusations or issuing threats.
He further warned against the manipulation of his videos and messages for political, personal or other ulterior motives, describing such actions as misleading and unacceptable.
“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.”
The clarification comes amid growing public discussion over the role of prophecies in Nigeria’s political space and how such statements are interpreted by political actors and their supporters.
