Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has denied allegations of defamation levelled against him by former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, insisting that his recent comments were purely prophetic and not intended to malign the politician.
Kwankwaso, who is the running mate of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), had threatened to institute a ₦10 billion defamation suit against the cleric over remarks he claimed were false and damaging.
According to a letter issued through his lawyers, Kwankwaso alleged that Ayodele, while delivering a sermon that was recorded and livestreamed, suggested that he was insincere in his political alliance with Obi and had been financially induced to accept the vice-presidential slot.
Responding in a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Ayodele dismissed the allegation, stressing that he neither intended to defame Kwankwaso nor launch a personal attack against him.
The cleric maintained that he merely delivered a prophecy he believed was revealed to him by God, noting that his message had no connection to any personal relationship or grievance with the former governor.
“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,” Ayodele said.
“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.”
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Ayodele said he holds Kwankwaso in high regard and insisted that his prophetic messages are never influenced by personal feelings or relationships.
“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 said.
He further argued that the prophecy had been misunderstood and distorted by people pursuing political interests.
“My prophecy was greatly misunderstood and misrepresented by those interested in Kwankwaso’s political career,” he stated.
“Sadly, even the politician misunderstood my statement and perceived it as a personal attack and an attempt to malign his “It should never have come to this. The cleric urged individuals mentioned in his prophecies to seek clarification before resorting to legal threats or public accusations.
He also warned against the manipulation of his sermons and videos for political or personal purposes, saying such actions were misleading and would not be tolerated.
“I would appreciate it if individuals mentioned in my prophecies seek clarification before issuing threats or making accusations,” he said.
“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.”