Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu and Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church have exchanged accusations over an alleged N150 million demand for what was described as “spiritual intercession” ahead of the 2027 Oyo governorship election.
Minister Adelabu, who has declared interest in contesting the poll, accused the cleric of blackmail and attempting to extort him through repeated requests for money and spiritual items.
In a petition dated October 13, submitted to the Department of State Services (DSS) and signed by Bolaji Tunji, his special adviser on strategic communications and media relations, the minister alleged that the cleric demanded items including 24 APC flags and 1,000 trumpets.
According to the petition, Primate Ayodele estimated the instruments at between N50 million for Nigerian fairly-used pieces and N130 million for new imported ones from China.
The petition also included text messages in which Ayodele asked Adelabu to bring the items for prayers, extended deadlines for their delivery and repeatedly sought phone conversations with the minister.
Ayodele also asked the minister to “recite almu nasira 200 times” and told him he was acting based on instruction he said he received from God.
Adelabu stated that he rejected the demands, insisting that his political ambition is based on service and not on spiritual influence.
He said Ayodele subsequently began issuing prophecies against him, including claims that he would not become governor.
The minister asked the DSS to investigate Ayodele, compel him to retract the prophecies and issue a written apology.
He also filed a petition with the Oyo State commissioner of police.
However, Ayodele denied the allegations.
Speaking to TheCable and in a statement through his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, the cleric said Adelabu approached him first through emissaries because he was seeking spiritual support for his ambition.
Ayodele said he did not demand money, explaining that the cost of the trumpets was requested by Adelabu himself.
He said he only advised the minister to send someone to the market to confirm the prices.
According to him, the items were recommended for Adelabu’s benefit, not as a condition for spiritual help.
He said Bayo Adelabu’s personal assistant and other associates contacted him repeatedly because the minister was seeking intervention regarding the Oyo governorship ticket.
Elijah Ayodele maintained that he had long predicted that Adelabu would struggle to become governor and said his recent prophecies were not connected to their interactions.
He stated that he does not issue prophecies in exchange for money.
“I didn’t blackmail him. We didn’t have any transaction. No money was exchanged,” he said.
“He said he was willing to give anything to become governor. I told him to buy the trumpets for his own good, not for my church.”
The cleric added that his prophecy regarding Adelabu’s political chances had been consistent for years.
Authorities have not announced any investigation outcome as of the time of filing this report.
