FOUNDER of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church in Lagos State, Elijah Ayodele, has denied defamation levelled against him by Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, insisting 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 former governor of Kano State governor.
The clarification followed Kwankwaso’s threat to institute a N10billion defamation suit against the cleric over alleged defamatory remarks.
Kwankwaso, in a letter written through his lawyers, alleged that Ayodele, while addressing a congregation in a sermon recorded and live streamed, made comments suggesting that he was insincere in his relationship with the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and had been financially induced to become his running mate.
However, Ayodele, in a statement by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, insisted he had no intention of defaming Kwankwaso in his prophecy and did not directly attack the politician.
The cleric noted: “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 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.”
Noting that he has huge respect for Kwankwaso, Ayodele said his prophecies are not influenced by personal relationships, adding: “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 continued: “My 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.
“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.”
The cleric urged individuals mentioned in his prophecies to seek clarification before issuing threats or making accusations, warning those who manipulate his videos for personal or political agenda that 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,” he said.
