I never defamed you…. I only shared prophecy received from God – Primate Ayodele tells Kwankwaso

Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, has denied allegations of defamation levelled against him by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano. 

Kwankwaso, who is the running mate of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), had threatened to institute a N10 billion defamation suit against Ayodele over alleged defamatory remarks.

In a letter written through his lawyers, Kwankwaso alleged that the cleric, while addressing a congregation in a sermon that was recorded and livestreamed, made comments suggesting that the former governor was insincere in his relationship with Obi and had been financially induced to become his running mate.

In a statement signed by Osho Oluwatosin, his media aide, Ayodele said he had no intention of defaming Kwankwaso in his prophecy, noting that he did not directly attack the politician.

The cleric said he merely shared a prophecy he received from God, as he has always done, and that it was not influenced by any personal issues with the ex-federal minister.

“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.”

The cleric said he has huge respect for Kwankwaso, adding that his prophecies are not influenced by 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,” the cleric said.

He noted that his prophecy 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 individuals mentioned in his prophecies to seek clarification before issuing threats or making accusations.

He also warned those who manipulate his videos for personal or political agenda, stating that action would be taken against them.

“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.” (TheCable)