Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has denied allegations of defamation levelled against him by Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, running mate to the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr. Peter Obi.
Ayodele was quoted as telling members of his church that “Kwankwaso is a fake to Obi. Kwankwaso will betray you. Kwankwaso has been paid to be vice president to Obi.”
Following this, Kwankwso, through his lawyers, threatened to file a N10 billion suit against Primate Ayodele over the alleged remarks, which he considered defamatory.
In a statement signed by Osho Oluwatosin, his media aide, the cleric said he merely shared a prophecy and did not intend to defame Kwankwaso in his remarks.
Insisting that he did not directly attack Kwankwaso, Primate Ayodele said his prophecy was received from God and was not influenced by any personal issues with the Kwankwso.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
While stating that he has huge respect for Kwankwaso, Primate Ayodele noted that his prophecies are not influenced by personal relationships.
“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,” the cleric said.
He pointed out that his prophecy was misunderstood and misrepresented by those interested in Kwankwaso’s political career.
“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.”
Urging individuals mentioned in his prophecies to seek clarification before issuing threats or making accusations,
warned those who manipulate his videos for personal or political agenda, that action would be taken against them.
“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,” Primate warned.
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