Primate Elijah Ayodele, the Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has responded to the N10 billion defamation lawsuit threatened by former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, maintaining that his remarks were based on divine revelation and not an attempt to damage the politician's reputation.
Kwankwaso, who is the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), had, through his lawyers, accused the cleric of making defamatory statements during a sermon that was recorded and livestreamed.
According to the legal notice, Ayodele allegedly claimed that Kwankwaso was not genuine in his political alliance with the party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and suggested that he had accepted financial inducement to become Obi's running mate with the intention of abandoning the ticket at a later stage.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday through his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Ayodele denied the allegations, insisting that his comments were prophetic messages and not personal attacks.
"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," the cleric 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."
Ayodele also stated that he has no personal relationship or disagreement with Kwankwaso that could have influenced his comments.
"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 further described Kwankwaso as someone he respects, adding that his prophecies are not influenced by personal relationships, sentiments or political interests.
"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 added.
Ayodele expressed regret that his message was interpreted as a personal attack, saying the situation could have been resolved through dialogue.
"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 also urged individuals mentioned in his prophecies to seek clarification before making allegations against him or resorting to legal action.
Ayodele further warned against the manipulation of his sermons and videos for political or personal purposes.
"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," he said.
