Tinubu’s minister accuses Primate Ayodele of attempting to extort N150 million for spiritual support
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing Primate Elijah Ayodele of attempting to extort N150 million from him under the guise of “spiritual support” for his 2027 governorship ambition.
Adelabu, a former Oyo governorship candidate, alleged that the founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church demanded huge sums and expensive ritual items in exchange for divine intervention.
The petition, dated 13 October 2025 and signed by his aide, Bolaji Tunji, claimed the cleric turned against him after he refused the requests.
Claims of Costly Spiritual Demands
According to the petition, Primate Ayodele reportedly instructed Adelabu to provide 24 APC flags and 1,000 saxophones or trumpets.
Text messages seen by TheCable show the items were valued between N50 million for the cheapest Nigerian grade and N130 million for imported Chinese grade-one instruments. The deadline was first set for 1 April and later shifted to 4 April.
Ayodele allegedly said the demands were “instructions from God” and urged Adelabu to carry out prayers, vigils, and rituals that would guarantee victory at the polls. Adelabu is said to have told the cleric that he could not afford the items.
Public Prophecies and Rising Tensions
Following his refusal, the cleric reportedly declared during a church service that Adelabu would not become Oyo governor, describing his pronouncements as divine warnings. He also invited the minister to challenge him legally.
The minister’s petition frames the encounter as spiritual blackmail and an attempt to influence a political process through financial and ritual pressure.
