‘I Respect You’ – Primate Ayodele Reacts As Kwankwaso’s Threatens ₦10 Billion Defamation Suit 

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has denied the allegation that he defamed former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, after the latter threatened to institute a ₦10 billion defamation suit against him.

Naijaonpoint reports that Kwankwaso, through his lawyers, Magaji Mato Ibrahim (SAN) & Co., accused the cleric of making false and malicious statements that could damage his reputation and political integrity.

In a letter dated June 11, 2026, and shared on 𝕏 by Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, the legal team said their client’s attention had been drawn to a viral publication allegedly made by Ayodele and circulated on social media and various news platforms.

According to the lawyers, the cleric, during a sermon that was recorded and livestreamed, allegedly suggested that Kwankwaso was not sincere in his political relationship with the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and had been financially induced to become his running mate.

In response, Primate Ayodele, in a statement issued by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, said Kwankwaso is someone he respects, like other individuals, and personal relationships do not influence his prophecies.

Ayodele said he had no intention of defaming Kwankwaso in his prophecy, noting that he merely shared the prophecy received from God.

He further urged Kwankwaso to seek clarification before issuing threats or making accusations, adding that those who manipulate his videos for personal or political agendas would face action.

The statement read, “It has come to my attention that the former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has alleged that I wrongly accused him in my recent prophecy concerning his political ambition.

“I wish to state clearly that the purpose of my prophecies has never been to defame, malign, or attack anyone’s personality. I only speak based on what I receive from the throne of God.

“I have never met Senator Kwankwaso, nor have I had any personal issues with him. Therefore, there is absolutely no reason for me to deliberately target or attack him.

“Just as I speak concerning every individual I am divinely directed to address, I spoke about him and his political aspirations based solely on the message I received.

“Kwankwaso is someone I respect, just as I respect every individual. My prophecies are never influenced by personal relationships, sentiments, or grievances; they are simply divine messages and directives as revealed to me.

“For the sake of clarity, I would like to state that my message was greatly misunderstood and misrepresented by those interested in Kwankwaso’s political career.

“Sadly, even the politician misunderstood my statement and perceived it as a personal attack and an attempt to malign his character.

“It should never have come to this. If clarification had been sought from me, I would have explained what I meant, and it would have been clear that I had no intention of defaming the politician or anyone else I have spoken about in my prophecies.

“I would appreciate it if individuals mentioned in my prophecies seek clarification before issuing threats or making accusations.

“I would also like to use this opportunity to warn those who manipulate my videos to serve personal, political, or selfish agendas. Such actions are misleading and unacceptable.

“I strongly urge those involved to desist immediately, as appropriate action will be taken against anyone found guilty of deliberately altering my messages for ulterior motives.”