The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has denied allegations of defamation levelled against him by the former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The politician had alleged that Primate Ayodele defamed him in a prophecy he made some weeks ago, in which he stated that Kwankwaso would betray the former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, in his presidential bid.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele made it clear that there was no intention to defame Kwankwaso in his prophecy, noting that he did not directly attack his person.
The cleric explained that he merely shared the prophecy he received from God, as he has always done, and that it was not influenced by any personal issues with the politician.
He further stated that he never had any intention of defaming Kwankwaso, stressing that there is nothing personal between them and that he only spoke based on what he received from God. However, he noted that the prophecy was greatly misunderstood.
“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.
“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 man of God stated that Kwankwaso is someone he respects, just as he respects every other individual, and that his prophecies are not influenced by personal relationships. He added that if clarification had been sought from him, he would have explained his statement to make it clear that he had no intention of defaming the politician.
“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.”
Furthermore, 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 agendas, stating that action would be taken against such individuals.
“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.”