Picture this: a powerful Nigerian minister leveling serious allegations of blackmail and extortion against a renowned spiritual leader who supposedly demanded a staggering N150 million for divine intervention to secure a governorship seat. It's a story straight out of the headlines, blending politics, religion, and a hefty dose of controversy that has Nigerians buzzing. But here's where it gets really intriguing—let's dive into the details and unpack what this clash reveals about faith, ambition, and the blurred lines between them.
Bayo Adelabu, the current Minister of Power in Nigeria, has taken a bold step by filing a petition with the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing Primate Elijah Ayodele, the founder and leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church in Oke Afa, Lagos, of coercive tactics. Specifically, Adelabu claims Ayodele tried to squeeze N150 million out of him in exchange for 'spiritual intercession' aimed at helping him win the governorship of Oyo State in the 2027 elections. For newcomers to Nigerian politics, think of this as a dramatic accusation where a public official is calling out what he sees as a scheme to exploit his aspirations through supernatural means.
Adelabu, who previously ran for governor and has now publicly announced his fresh bid (as detailed in earlier reports from TheCable), paints a picture of persistent pressure from Ayodele. According to the minister, the cleric resorted to spreading damaging false prophecies about him after Adelabu firmly rejected the demands. This isn't just a personal spat; it's framed as an attempt to tarnish his reputation and disrupt the democratic process in Oyo State. To help beginners grasp this, consider how prophecies in some religious contexts are seen as direct messages from the divine, but when tied to money and politics, they can fuel debates about authenticity versus opportunism.
The heart of the drama unfolds in a series of text messages exchanged between the two, which were shared with TheCable. Ayodele, positioning himself as a conduit for God's will, instructed Adelabu to procure 24 APC flags for prayer rituals. But it didn't stop there—he also requested 1,000 saxophones or trumpets, with options ranging from fairly-used Nigerian models at a total cost of N50 million to premium imported ones from China priced at N130 million. Ayodele urged Adelabu to gather these items by April 1, extending the deadline to April 4 'because of the love I have for you,' as he put it in one message. He referenced past attempts to contact Adelabu, including letters sent during his time as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and calls to his office in Ibadan, which went unanswered. Ayodele even suggested reciting 'almu nasira' 200 times and performing a vigil at 1 a.m., claiming an angel would appear to grant wishes— all to prevent Adelabu from losing the upcoming election.
Ayodele repeatedly assured Adelabu that this was 'an instruction from God,' prophesying that he would indeed govern Oyo State. Messages like 'I have divine advice for you sir, which can help a lot sir, kindly pick my call' and 'Do vigil and the angel of God is coming to hear request by 1am…I don’t want you to lose the coming election' underscore the alleged spiritual urgency. Adelabu responded that he simply couldn't afford such exorbitant items, leading to a sharp turn. Following the rejection, Ayodele publicly declared in church sermons that Adelabu would fail and not become governor, attributing it to mistakes and framing his warnings as divine cautions. In video clips obtained by TheCable, the cleric challenged Adelabu to take legal action, daring him to arrest or sue him. And this is the part most people miss—it highlights how public declarations by spiritual figures can influence public opinion and voter perceptions, potentially swaying elections in a country where faith plays a huge role.
Adelabu staunchly defends his stance in the DSS petition, dated October 13, 2025, and signed by his special adviser on strategic communications, Bolaji Tunji. He insists his political drive stems from a commitment to genuine public service, not from indulging in spiritual manipulations or what he calls 'fetish practices.' The petition urges the DSS to probe Ayodele for extortion, blackmail, and spreading inciting falsehoods, demanding that the cleric retract the prophecies and offer a public apology. It also calls for legal action under Nigeria's Constitution and Criminal Code to curb such deceptive religious maneuvers. For clarity, this means Adelabu sees this as a threat to peace and democracy, not just personal harm. To add context for those unfamiliar, imagine a scenario where a celebrity seeks a psychic's help for a career boost— if money's involved and predictions go sour, it can lead to lawsuits claiming fraud.
But here's where it gets controversial: Ayodele flips the script in a phone interview with TheCable, claiming Adelabu actually sought him out first, sending representatives because he was eager to clinch the governorship. The cleric denies any blackmail, emphasizing no money changed hands and no deal was finalized. 'I didn’t blackmail him. We didn’t have any transaction,' Ayodele stated emphatically. He describes discussing terms—which Adelabu declined— and asserts the right to price his services at any level, even N1 billion, if it delivers value. 'Why did you come to me in the first place if you didn’t believe in me?' he challenges, questioning Adelabu's motives for engaging with someone he now labels as peddling fake prophecies. Ayodele portrays himself as a blessed figure who supports the vulnerable, not a desperate opportunist. This counter-narrative raises eyebrows: is spiritual guidance a sacred duty or a marketable commodity? And should politicians mix public office with private spiritual consultations?
Adelabu also submitted a similar complaint to the Oyo State Police Commissioner, amplifying his concerns about the cleric's 'extortive and inciting activities.' The whole affair underscores a broader tension in Nigerian society, where religion and politics often intersect, sometimes leading to accusations of exploitation. For instance, similar cases have emerged in other African nations, where pastors or prophets have faced scrutiny for tying electoral success to hefty donations, sparking ethical debates.
So, what's your take on this heated exchange? Do you see Ayodele's demands as legitimate spiritual entrepreneurship, or blatant extortion that undermines trust in religious leaders? Is Adelabu right to reject such practices in favor of secular ambition, or does this dismiss the role of faith in politics? And in a world where millions turn to spiritual figures for guidance, where do we draw the line between genuine prophecy and profit-driven manipulation? Share your opinions in the comments—let's discuss!
