Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, has accused Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church in Lagos, of attempting to extort over N150 million from him under the guise of “spiritual intercession” to secure victory in the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.
Adelabu, a former governorship candidate who has declared his intention to run again in 2027, made the allegation in a petition dated October 13, 2025, addressed to the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS). The petition was signed by Bolaji Tunji, his special adviser on strategic communications and media relations.
According to Adelabu, Ayodele persistently pressured him with unsolicited spiritual directives, claiming divine instruction. The cleric reportedly demanded 24 APC flags for prayers and 1,000 saxophones or trumpets — items valued between N50 million and N130 million depending on their grade — insisting that they be provided by early April.
Ayodele, in multiple messages, told the minister that he had been divinely instructed to assist him and had reached out since his days as CBN deputy governor. He advised Adelabu to perform certain rituals, recite prayers, and participate in vigils, claiming these were necessary to ensure success in the 2027 election. Adelabu responded that he could not afford the expensive items.
The minister alleged that after declining these requests, Ayodele publicly declared that he would fail in his quest for the governorship and issued what Adelabu described as false and malicious prophecies intended to discredit him.
In his petition, Adelabu insisted his political ambition is driven by a desire to serve and not by “spiritual manipulation or fetish practices.” He called on the DSS to investigate the cleric for extortion, blackmail, and incitement, and to compel a retraction and formal apology.
He also submitted a similar petition to the Oyo State Commissioner of Police.
AYODELE DENIES EXTORTION CLAIM
Reacting to the allegations, Primate Ayodele denied ever attempting to extort the minister, insisting that Adelabu was the one who approached him first because he was “desperate” to become governor.
The cleric maintained that no money was exchanged and that he merely discussed “terms” with the minister.
“I didn’t blackmail him. There was no transaction. I didn’t attempt to extort him,” Ayodele said. “I can value my services at any amount if I’m providing value. Why come to me if you don’t believe in me? I’m not poor. I take care of vulnerable people. I’m blessed in the Lord.”
The controversy continues to stir debate in political and religious circles as both parties stand firm on their claims. /First reported by The Cable