By Nnamdi Akhere
Primate Elijah Ayodele, the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, is well-renowned for his prophetic prowess. Whenever prophecy is mentioned in Nigeria, Primate Ayodele’s name inevitably comes up, even among those who do not believe in him.
However, beyond the prophecies he is famous for, many have yet to observe his unspoken love for every tribe and tongue, including Yorubas, Igbos, Hausas, and others. On the religious front, Primate Ayodele is the only Christian cleric known to have preached at a Muslim Ramadan lecture. He is also the only one who publicly announced he would build a mosque — a project he has begun, expected to be completed in 2026.
Although some of his controversial prophecies about certain individuals or groups may seem personal, it is important to understand that prophecies are divine statements and warnings. They come unfiltered from the throne of Heaven. To those without understanding, it may appear that the prophet is attacking them, but that is far from the truth.
For example, before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged as Nigeria’s president, Primate Ayodele warned that the Yoruba presidency was under threat. He stated that unless Yoruba candidates stopped quarreling and worked together, the tribe could lose the presidency.
He said:
“Yoruba should shun quarrel; otherwise, the presidency will elude them. The Lord has told me that Yoruba presidency is under threat. It will elude them unless they immediately work together. Yoruba presidency is shaking, and that’s what I see.”
“The Yorubas have credible candidates, but the northerners are watching. Yorubas don’t struggle for things, but there is a spirit of discord among the credible candidates, causing serious quarrel. It is seriously shaking.”
Some interpreted this prophecy as Primate Ayodele working against the Yorubas and, in some quarters, even called him a “bastard,” expecting him to support Yoruba presidency simply because he is Yoruba. However, prophecy is not about the tribe of the vessel. Once God commands a message to be delivered, it must be spoken as revealed. This does not mean he opposes the Yoruba people or their progress; he is simply answerable to his Maker.
Recently, Primate Ayodele advised President Tinubu not to rely on the northerners for his 2027 re-election bid, warning that they would not support him. Some perceived this as hate speech against northerners, but the message was meant solely for President Tinubu.
Similarly, Primate Ayodele has spoken to the Igbos regarding their bid to rule Nigeria. He noted that the tribe faces curses of its own making that must be reversed. He emphasized that the Igbos’ challenges come from within and that stronger leadership is required if they wish to rule the nation.
In 2023, he stated:
“Sincerely, without mincing words, the next president should come from the Igbo; it’s unfortunate that they are not serious with their intentions because a political force is struggling with it. Otherwise, Igbo will never see the presidency till kingdom comes.”
“Igbo must wake up now; otherwise, they will betray themselves from producing the next president of Nigeria. The South and North should step down for Igbo, let them be used as consensus candidates. This can happen if the Igbo know what they want. Are they ready? Either they will perform or not; without misconception, it is Igbo’s turn, but if they fail, their present leaders will be cursed by their great-grandchildren.”
When it came to the Senate President election, Primate Ayodele urged Igbo lawmakers to unite in order to produce one of their own as Senate President, warning that failure to do so would sideline their region.
He said:
“Igbo lawmakers need to be more united than ever before to push one of their own to become the next Senate President. If they fail, the region will be sidelined in this incoming government. God doesn’t approve this Muslim-Muslim government; it will still create a lot of problems and will be one of the worst governments so far.”
Beyond prophecies, Primate Ayodele’s church welcomes members from almost every tribe without issue. His philanthropic gestures touch every tribe and tongue. Tribal affiliation is never a requirement to receive help; as long as one is human and in need, the prophet is ready to help as God provides.
Recently, he celebrated one of his pastors, Walter Akachukwu, by giving him N1 million during a live service and even helped replace the roof of his house in a single day. Pastor Akachukwu, who is Igbo, said he had never seen N1 million in his life before this gift and testified that the prophet has done several incredible things for him.
For the month of November, Primate Ayodele dedicated each Sunday to a particular tribe: last Sunday was for the Igbos, this Sunday is for the Ilajes, with other Sundays set aside for Hausas and other tribes. This reflects the church’s inclusive philosophy: INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church admits everyone regardless of religion or tribe.
Primate Ayodele is, without doubt, a prophet who loves everyone regardless of their background. Following the example of Jesus Christ, he exemplifies religious and tribal tolerance in Nigeria.
