Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church in Lagos, has denied allegations of defamation brought against him by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State.
Kwankwaso, who is the running mate of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), had threatened to file a N10 billion defamation suit against Ayodele over remarks he described as defamatory.
In a letter issued through his lawyers, Kwankwaso alleged that the cleric made statements during a sermon — which was recorded and livestreamed — suggesting that he was not sincere in his relationship with Obi and had been financially influenced to accept the vice-presidential position.
Responding in a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Ayodele maintained that he had no intention of attacking or maligning Kwankwaso, insisting that his message was purely prophetic.
“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.”
Ayodele added that he has never met Kwankwaso and has no personal issues with him.
“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 said he holds Kwankwaso in high regard and stressed that his prophecies are never influenced by emotions or personal 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.
Ayodele further stated that his prophecy had been misunderstood and distorted by individuals with vested political interests.
He said the 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,” he said.
“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.”
He urged public figures mentioned in his prophecies to seek clarification before making accusations or issuing legal threats.
Ayodele also warned against the manipulation of his videos for political or personal purposes.
“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.”