A rising Extortion Allegation involving Minister Bayo Adelabu and Primate Ayodele has triggered investigations, denials, and fears of political manipulation ahead of 2027 elections.
An unfolding extortion allegation involving the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, and the founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has stirred significant attention within political and religious circles in Oyo State and beyond.
What began as what seemed like private communication between a politician and a popular Lagos-based cleric has now transformed into a case involving security agencies, public accusations, and counter-claims of deception.
The controversy was formally triggered when Adelabu, through his adviser on strategic communication, Bolaji Tunji, petitioned the Director-General of the Department of State Services, alleging that the cleric demanded outrageous sums of money and costly items under the guise of “spiritual support” for Adelabu’s governorship ambition in 2027.
According to the petition dated October 13, 2025, Ayodele allegedly presented these requests as divine instructions essential for guaranteeing electoral success.
The minister claimed in the petition that the cleric’s approach was manipulative, deceptive, and potentially harmful to public peace.
Adelabu argued that the cleric not only attempted to coerce him through spiritual demands but also resorted to issuing negative prophecies against him after he refused to comply.
Documents and text messages reviewed by TheCable reportedly revealed that Ayodele requested highly unusual items, including 24 APC flags and a staggering 1,000 musical instruments—either saxophones or trumpets—for prayer sessions.
The messages explained that the cheapest Nigerian-used grade of these instruments would cost around N50 million, while imported grade-one versions from China would amount to approximately N130 million.
These demands formed a key component of the extortion allegation presented to the DSS.
The cleric, according to the same messages, reportedly set deadlines for the procurement of these items, initially choosing April 1 before extending the timeline by three days.
He told the minister he did not usually make such demands but was doing so because of “love” and divine obligation.
Other instructions included reciting a Qur’anic verse—Alam Nashrah—200 times and conducting midnight vigils for angelic visitation.
Ayodele also reportedly reminded Adelabu that he had sent him several letters during his service years at the Central Bank of Nigeria and during his gubernatorial campaign period in Ibadan, claiming he never received a response.
In the text exchanges, the cleric asserted repeatedly that God had destined Adelabu for the governorship seat and that ignoring divine instruction could jeopardize his victory.
The situation escalated when Adelabu reportedly informed Ayodele that he could not afford the costly requirements. According to the petition, the cleric’s tone shifted afterward.
A viral video later emerged in which Ayodele declared that Adelabu had already “failed” and would not win the 2027 governorship election.
He claimed his declarations were messages from God and dared the minister to arrest or sue him.
Such public pronouncements heightened political tension, prompting calls from some stakeholders for neutral investigation.
In his letter to the DSS, Adelabu described the cleric’s pronouncements as not only false but capable of inciting unrest, especially within a politically sensitive environment like Oyo State.
The petition emphasized that the minister’s political ambition was rooted in public service, not in spiritual manipulation or fetish practice.
He therefore requested a thorough investigation, a compelled public apology, and legal action that would deter similar actions by religious personalities seeking influence over political processes.
Beyond the DSS submission, Adelabu also filed a related petition with the Oyo State Police Commissioner, reinforcing his position that Ayodele’s behavior amounted to manipulation, incitement, and an orchestrated smear campaign.
However, Primate Ayodele, in a telephone interview with TheCable, dismissed every aspect of the extortion allegation.
He insisted that no money was exchanged and denied making any attempt to deceive or pressure the minister.
According to him, Adelabu was the one who initiated contact through intermediaries and sought prophetic guidance.
The cleric maintained that whatever terms were discussed were simply part of his ministerial operations and that he had the right to place any value on his spiritual services.
He further argued that if Adelabu truly believed his prophecies were fake or malicious, he would not have reached out in the first place.
Ayodele added that he was not financially desperate, stating that he was “blessed in the Lord” and actively supported vulnerable individuals, contrary to allegations of exploitation.
As the matter continues to develop, analysts note that the clash raises broader questions about the growing intersection of religion and politics in Nigeria.
The role of prophetic declarations, the boundaries of spiritual consultancy, and the vulnerability of political actors to religious influence remain subjects of intense debate.
For now, the minister insists the truth must be established by the relevant security agencies, while the cleric maintains his innocence and frames the entire controversy as a misunderstanding fueled by unmet expectations.
The coming weeks may determine whether this case results in prosecution, mediation, or further public confrontation.
Meanwhile, the extortion allegation remains a prominent topic in both religious and political discussions, fueling deeper conversations about accountability and transparency in an era where spiritual authority often meets political ambition.
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