- Safiu Kehinde
Controversial Nigerian clergyman, Primate Ayodele Elijah, has recanted his allegation against the former Kano state governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, stressing that his prophecy was misunderstood and misrepresented.
NPO Reported that the leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church had in a video shared on social media, warned the 2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, against trusting Kwankwaso, alleging that the former Kano state governor will betray him.
The clergyman, as quoted in a letter issued to him by Kwankwaso’s legal counsel, Magaji Mato Ibrahim, accused the ex-Kano governor of being fake and paid to deputise Obi.
“Kwankwaso is a fake to Obi.
“Kwankwaso will betray you. Kwankwaso has been paid to become Vice President to Obi.” Ayodele was quoted to have said in the video.
The ex-Kano governor would in the letter demanded a published public apology with an undertaking that he will desist from making further defamatory remarks against him.
Kwankwaso further warned of legal action with N10 billion defamation suit if the clergyman fails to meet his demands.
Reacting in a statement issued on Thursday by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele said he never intend to defame Kwankwaso, stressing that he had no reason to target or attack him.
The clergyman claimed he had only relayed a prophecy as revealed to him by God.
“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.” He said.
Ayodele said his prophecy was greatly misunderstood and misrepresented by those interested in the political career of Kwankwaso who he claimed to have huge respect for.
“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.
“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.” He said.
Meanwhile, the clergyman urged individuals mentioned in his prophecies to seek clarification before issuing threats or making accusations.
He also warned against manipulation of 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,
“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.” Ayodele said.