Primate Ayodele faults power minister, denies alleged extortion of ₦150 million
Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Oke Afa, Lagos, has denied claims that he attempted to extort Power Minister Bayo Adelabu.
His reaction follows a report alleging that the cleric demanded ₦150 million for “spiritual intercession” to support Adelabu’s governorship ambition.
Ayodele counters DSS petition claims
TheCable had revealed that Adelabu petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing Ayodele of blackmail.
The minister alleged that the cleric requested large sums of money and costly spiritual items as part of a supposed arrangement ahead of the 2027 Oyo governorship race.
Minister details alleged demands
Adelabu, who has contested the Oyo governorship twice, claimed that Ayodele asked him to provide 24 APC flags for prayers.
He also alleged that the cleric demanded 1,000 saxophones or trumpets, costing between ₦50 million and ₦130 million depending on grade.
The minister said his refusal to meet the demands led to prophecies declaring he would never become governor.
Cleric insists he never sought money
Through his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Ayodele insisted he never attempted to extort ₦150 million from Adelabu.
He explained that he only mentioned the cost of the instruments after Adelabu requested the estimate.
Ayodele said he advised Adelabu to verify the market prices by sending someone to confirm the cost of the trumpets.
“He was desperate for governorship”
Ayodele said Adelabu reached out to him through emissaries, expressing willingness to offer anything to secure the governorship seat.
According to the cleric, he merely advised Adelabu to buy the instruments as an act of seeking divine mercy, not as a payment to his church.
He stressed that he neither demanded prayer fees nor asked the minister for money.
Prophecies not tied to refusal
Ayodele maintained that he had long stated that Adelabu’s path to the Oyo governorship would require divine grace.
He added that his prophecies were not influenced by the minister’s failure to purchase the instruments.
