The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has denied allegations of defamation levelled against him by a former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

This came after Kwankwaso threatened to file an N10 billion defamation suit against the cleric over an alleged defamatory remark.

According to a letter from Kwankwaso’s lawyer, Primate Ayodele is alleged to have livestreamed a sermon in which he questioned the sincerity of the relationship between the former governor and Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress.

Reacting through his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele denied any intention to defame Kwankwaso, adding that his prophecy was not a direct attack on any politician.

According to him, his prophecy came from God and was not influenced by any personal issue with Kwankwaso.

“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,” Ayodele said.

“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,” the cleric said.

He lamented that his prophecy was misunderstood and perceived as a personal attack and an attempt to malign the former governor’s 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.”

He urged individuals mentioned in his prophecies to 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,” he said. (Guardian)