By Paul Joseph
The General Overseer of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has dismissed allegations of defamation leveled against him by former Kano State governor and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, insisting that his comments were strictly prophetic and not intended to malign anyone.
Kwankwaso, who is the running mate to Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), had reportedly threatened legal action against the cleric, demanding N10 billion in damages over remarks made during a sermon that was broadcast live.
According to Kwankwaso’s legal representatives, Ayodele allegedly questioned the sincerity of the politician’s alliance with Obi and suggested that financial considerations influenced his acceptance of the vice-presidential position.
Responding through a statement issued by his media aide on Thursday, Osho Oluwatosin, Ayodele maintained that his comments were based solely on a divine revelation and should not be interpreted as a personal attack on the former governor.
The cleric stressed that he harbors no ill feelings toward Kwankwaso and has never had any personal dispute with him, making it unnecessary for him to deliberately tarnish the politician’s image.
Ayodele further described Kwankwaso as a notable political figure whose contributions to national development are widely acknowledged. He emphasized that his prophetic messages are guided by spiritual conviction rather than personal sentiments, political interests, or affiliations.
He argued that the message in question had been misinterpreted and amplified by individuals pursuing political agendas, leading to unnecessary controversy.
Expressing concern over the threat of litigation, Ayodele noted that any misunderstanding surrounding the prophecy could have been addressed through dialogue and clarification rather than legal confrontation.
The outspoken cleric also warned against the manipulation or selective editing of his sermons, cautioning that individuals found deliberately distorting his messages for political or personal gains could face appropriate consequences.
He reiterated his commitment to delivering what he believes are divine revelations without fear or favoritism, insisting that his prophetic assignments are intended to guide society rather than discredit public figures.
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