By Bose
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Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, of attempting to extort over N150 million from him under the guise of providing “spiritual support” for his 2027 Oyo governorship ambition.
In the petition dated October 13, 2025, signed by Bolaji Tunji, his special adviser on strategic communications, Adelabu said the cleric repeatedly pressured him to provide 24 APC flags, 1,000 trumpets and other expensive items allegedly needed for spiritual fortification. The items were estimated to cost between N50 million and N130 million.
Adelabu said Ayodele sent several messages claiming he had divine instructions concerning his political ambition, urging him to perform vigils and recite religious verses. The minister said he declined all requests, insisting his political aspiration was driven by “genuine service,” not spiritual manipulation.
He alleged that after he refused to provide the items, Ayodele began releasing “malicious and false prophecies” predicting his failure in the forthcoming election.
Adelabu asked the DSS to investigate the cleric for extortion, blackmail and inciting statements, and to compel him to retract his prophecies and apologise. He also petitioned the Oyo State Police Command.
However, Primate Ayodele denied the allegations, saying Adelabu approached him first. He insisted no money exchanged hands and that he had the right to place any value on his spiritual services.
“I didn’t blackmail him,” Ayodele told TheCable. “We didn’t have any transaction. I can sell my services for any amount as long as I provide value. Why come to me if you don’t believe in me?”
The Cable.
