Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has accused Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, of attempting to extort more than N150 million from him under the guise of “spiritual intercession” for his 2027 Oyo governorship ambition.
Adelabu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and a two-time governorship candidate, made the allegation in a petition dated October 13, 2025, addressed to the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS). The petition was signed by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji.
Alleged Demands for Flags, Instruments, and Money
According to Adelabu, Primate Ayodele repeatedly approached him with unsolicited prophecies and instructions said to be divinely inspired. Text messages reviewed by TheCable showed the cleric requesting 24 APC flags for prayers, as well as 1,000 saxophones and trumpets—items he estimated at N50 million for Nigerian fairly-used versions, or N130 million for imported grade-one instruments from China.
The cleric reportedly urged the minister to deliver the items before April 1, later extending the deadline to April 4. Ayodele also told the minister to recite certain incantations and participate in late-night vigils to secure divine favour.
“Sir, I don’t do this, but because of the love I have for you,” Ayodele wrote in one of the messages.
Adelabu said he declined the requests, stating that he could not afford such items and did not rely on spiritual manipulation for political success.
‘Retaliatory Prophecies’ After Rebuff, Says Minister
Following his refusal, the minister alleged that the cleric began issuing public prophecies declaring that Adelabu would fail in the 2027 election. Ayodele reportedly linked his prediction to the minister’s association with the “Èmi Lòkan” (“It’s my turn”) slogan.
In video clips seen by TheCable, Ayodele stated that the minister had “made mistakes” and insisted that his message to Adelabu was a divine warning. He also dared the minister to arrest or sue him.
Adelabu argued that the cleric’s statements amounted to blackmail and were capable of disrupting public order.
DSS Petition: ‘Extortive, Deceitful, Inciting’
In the petition, Adelabu asked the DSS to investigate Ayodele, compel him to retract his prophecies, and issue a formal apology.
He accused the cleric of engaging in “extortive, deceitful, and inciting activities,” adding that such conduct threatened the integrity of the political process in Oyo State.
The minister also petitioned the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, describing the cleric’s behaviour as criminal and dangerous.
Ayodele Denies Blackmail Allegation
But in a telephone interview with TheCable, Primate Ayodele denied all allegations of extortion, insisting that Adelabu was the one who initiated contact because he was “desperate” to become Oyo governor.
“I didn’t blackmail him. We didn’t have any transaction. No money was exchanged,” the cleric said.
He admitted discussing “terms” with the minister but maintained that he was free to place any value on his spiritual services.
“I can value it at N1 billion as long as I provide the value he wants. It’s nobody’s business,” he said. “Why did he come to me if he didn’t believe in me? I’m big. I’m not poor. I take care of vulnerable people. I’m blessed in the Lord.”
Background
Adelabu has contested the Oyo governorship seat twice and recently announced his intention to run again in 2027. His petition marks one of the strongest public pushbacks by a political figure against a high-profile Nigerian cleric over alleged spiritual interference in politics.
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