The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has denied allegations of attempting to extort N150 million from the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu. The minister had petitioned the Department of State Services, accusing Primate Ayodele of asking him to purchase 1,000 trumpets at a cost of N150 million. According to Adelabu, his refusal to comply with the request led to Primate Ayodele prophesying that he would not become the governor of Oyo State.

However, Primate Ayodele has refuted these claims, stating that he never asked the minister for money beyond the cost of the trumpets, which he believed would be beneficial for Adelabu. The cleric explained that the minister had asked for the cost of the trumpets and was advised to send someone to the market to confirm the prices. Primate Ayodele claimed that Adelabu’s personal assistant and another individual were pressuring him due to the minister’s desperation for the governorship seat in Oyo State.

Primate Ayodele stated that he had told Adelabu that he would not receive the governorship ticket, but could seek God’s mercy by purchasing the musical instruments. He emphasized that this was not a request for his church, but rather for Adelabu’s own benefit. The cleric noted that he had consistently spoken about Adelabu’s ambition, stating that it would require God’s grace for him to become governor.

Primate Ayodele argued that his subsequent prophecies regarding Adelabu’s ambition were not motivated by the minister’s refusal to purchase the trumpets. He claimed that he had never spoken to Adelabu before the minister sought his spiritual help and that his prophecies were not driven by financial gain. The cleric emphasized that he is already blessed and does not make prophecies for financial purposes.

The denial by Primate Ayodele highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the allegations. The incident has sparked interest in the relationship between religious leaders and politicians in Nigeria. As the story continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the allegations will impact the reputation of the parties involved. The Department of State Services is expected to investigate the matter, and the outcome may have significant implications for both Primate Ayodele and Minister Adelabu.