Controversial christian cleric Primate Elijah Ayodele has noted that his recent prophecy concerning a former Governor of Kano state, Rabiu Kwankwaso was misinterpreted by the former governor.
The cleric had said during one of his sermon in his church that Kwankwaso will betray the 2027 Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Party, NDC Peter Obi, to which the former Kano state helmsman is a running mate.
Following Ayodele’s comment, the former governor had threatened to sue him for N10 billion for defamation.
Reacting to the threat in a statement issued by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, the cleric said the former governor misunderstood what he said, saying he only said exactly what God told him.
“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.
“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,” he said.
In a letter written to Primate Ayodele by Kwankwaso, through his lawyers, Magaji Mato Ibrahim SAN & Co., the politician had issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the cleric, demanding an immediate retraction and public apology.
“Our client’s attention has been drawn to your viral publication which is trending on all social media platforms and in international and local news outlets, wherein you published malicious and defamatory contents against him geared toward tarnishing his long-earned reputation in Nigeria and beyond,” the letter stated.
Kwankwaso also demanded that Ayodele publish “a full, direct and unequivocal retraction” and apology across all platforms where the alleged comments were circulated, ensuring that the apology receives the same level of prominence as the original publication.
“That you immediately within twenty-four (24) hours publish a full, direct and unequivocal retraction of and apology for the false, malicious and defamatory publication against our Client, on all social media platforms and reputable local and international news outlets, while ensuring that the retraction and apology is given the same visibility and prominence as your defamatory publication.
“You provide a written undertaking that henceforth, you will cease and desist from publishing or republishing any defamatory or malicious content against our Client through any medium and on any platform whatsoever.
“Take Notice that if you neglect, fail or refuse to accede to our reasonable demands within the stipulated time frame, we have our client’s unflinching instruction to take out appropriate legal proceedings against you without further recourse to you, wherein we shall claim substantial damages to the tune of Ten Billion Naira,” the letter read.
The letter concluded with a warning to the cleric, stating: “A stitch in time saves nine! You have been warned,” Kwankwaso demanded in the letter.
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